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In a groundbreaking study presented on January 30, 2025, at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s annual Pregnancy Meeting, researchers revealed that microplastics and nanoplastics are present in the placentas of preterm infants at significantly higher concentrations compared to full-term babies. This startling discovery adds a new layer of concern to the growing body of research on plastic pollution’s harmful effects on human health.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics: A Growing Concern
Microplastics, particles less than 5 millimeters in size, and nanoplastics, which are so small they can’t be seen by the naked eye, are pervasive in our environment. These particles are found in everything from food and water to the air we breathe, and increasing evidence suggests that they pose serious risks to human health. Earlier studies have linked plastic exposure to a range of health issues, from respiratory problems to cardiovascular diseases, and now new research suggests that the risks extend to pregnancy as well.
New Study Reveals Link to Preterm Birth
The study, led by Dr. Kjersti Aagaard, a maternal-fetal subspecialist and research professor at Boston Children’s Hospital, analyzed 175 placentas using cutting-edge mass spectrometry. Of these, 100 placentas were from full-term births, and 75 were from preterm births, defined as deliveries before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
The results were striking: the levels of microplastics and nanoplastics were found to be significantly higher in the placentas of preterm infants. This finding contradicted the researchers’ expectations, as they had assumed that the level of plastic exposure would correlate with the length of the pregnancy. However, the study showed that the exposure occurred much earlier in the pregnancy for those who delivered prematurely.
“The finding of higher placental concentrations among preterm births was surprising because it was counterintuitive to what you might expect if it was merely a byproduct of the length of time of the pregnancy,” said Dr. Enrico R. Barrozo, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Aagaard added, “This hints at the possibility that the accumulation of plastics could be contributing to the risk and occurrence of preterm birth.”
A Growing Body of Evidence
This new study adds to the mounting evidence that plastic pollution could be linked to a wide range of health issues, from heart disease to stroke, and now potentially preterm birth. Researchers suggest that the early accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics in the placenta could disrupt normal development, leading to complications that may result in premature delivery.
The study was conducted in collaboration with the University of New Mexico and funded by several prestigious agencies, including the NIH-NICHD, NSF, and NIEHS. The research was published in the January 2025 issue of Pregnancy, an open-access journal by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
A Call for Action
The researchers urge further studies to explore the exact mechanisms behind how plastics are accumulating in the placenta and to investigate whether reducing plastic exposure could decrease the risk of preterm birth. As the impact of plastic pollution becomes more evident in various aspects of human health, this study underscores the urgency of addressing environmental pollution as part of public health policy.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is based on research findings and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with healthcare providers for personal medical concerns.
