A new study has found alarming levels of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution in the placentas of premature babies. The research, published for the first time at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s annual meeting, reveals that premature placentas contain significantly higher amounts of plastic particles than those from full-term births.
The researchers analyzed 100 placentas from full-term births and 75 from preterm births, finding that premature placentas contained an average of 203 micrograms of plastic per gram of tissue – more than 50% higher than the levels found in full-term placentas. This significant difference suggests that tiny plastic particles are accumulating in the placenta, potentially contributing to premature birth.
Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant death worldwide, and researchers have long sought to understand its causes. The study’s findings provide valuable insights into this issue, but further research is needed to confirm whether there is a causal link between microplastic exposure and preterm births.
Microplastics are ubiquitous pollutants that can be found in air, water, food, and even human bodies. Previous studies have linked them to inflammation, strokes, and heart attacks, raising concerns about their impact on human health. The researchers acknowledge that this study only demonstrates an association between microplastic exposure and premature birth, but highlight the need for urgent action to reduce people’s exposure to these pollutants.
The study’s authors emphasize the importance of increasing awareness about microplastics and their potential health effects. They also stress the need for further research on the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing microplastic pollution.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/30/microplastics-placentas-link-premature-births-study