In a groundbreaking study that has raised alarms across the scientific community, researchers at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences have discovered the pervasive presence of microplastics in human placental tissue. The study, published in the journal Toxicological Sciences, found that all 62 placenta samples tested contained microplastics, with concentrations ranging from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of tissue. This revelation underscores the ubiquitous nature of microplastic pollution and its potential implications for human health and development.
The research team, led by Matthew Campen, Ph.D., Regents’ Professor in the UNM Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, utilized a novel analytical tool to quantify the microplastics in the placental samples. The process involved saponification to break down fats and proteins, followed by ultracentrifugation to isolate the plastic particles. The team then employed pyrolysis to combust the plastics and analyze the gas emissions using mass spectrometry, providing a ‘specific fingerprint’ for the different types of plastics present.
The most prevalent polymer detected was polyethylene, a material commonly used in the production of plastic bags and bottles, which constituted 54% of the total plastics found. Other polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nylon were also identified, each representing about 10% of the total plastics, with the remainder comprising nine other polymers.
The presence of microplastics in placentas is particularly concerning given the organ’s relatively short development period of eight months. This suggests that the accumulation of microplastics occurs rapidly, potentially impacting the health of the fetus. Campen expressed concern over the health effects of increasing microplastic levels, stating that “if we’re seeing effects on placentas, then all mammalian life on this planet could be impacted.”
Marcus Garcia, PharmD, a postdoctoral fellow in Campen’s lab, highlighted the significance of the new analytical method, which moves beyond simply counting visible particles under a microscope. This advancement allows for precise quantification of microplastics, providing a clearer understanding of the extent of human exposure.
The study’s findings are a stark reminder of the growing plastic pollution problem. Since the 1950s, plastic production has skyrocketed, leading to a staggering amount of waste. Much of this discarded plastic breaks down into microplastics, which then infiltrate our environment, entering the food chain and ultimately accumulating in human tissues.
Campen pointed out the long half-life of many plastics, with some taking up to 300 years to degrade. This means that the microplastics we encounter today could be decades old, and with plastic production expected to double every 10 to 15 years, the situation is set to worsen.
The health effects of microplastics on the human body are not yet fully understood. However, their ability to cross cell membranes raises concerns about their potential role in various health issues, including inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer in younger populations, and declining sperm counts.
As the research team at UNM plans further studies to explore these health implications, the current findings serve as a critical call to action for both the scientific community and policymakers. The urgent need to address the plastic pollution crisis has never been clearer, as the evidence of its impact on human health continues to mount.
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