Alarming Discovery: All Human Placentas Found to Be Polluted by Microplastics!

The presence of microplastics in our environment continues to raise concerns, and a recent discovery adds a new dimension to this debate. A study conducted by researchers from the University of New Mexico reveals the presence of microplastics in human placentas, an alarming finding published in the journal Toxicological Sciences.


Led by Professor Matthew Campen, in collaboration with researchers from the Baylor College of Medicine and Oklahoma State University, this study chemically analyzed 62 placenta samples. The results are concerning: concentrations of microplastics ranged from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of tissue, with a widespread presence of plastic in all tested samples.

This discovery raises questions about the potential impacts of microplastics on health, particularly during fetal development. Polyethylene, primarily used in the manufacture of plastic bags and bottles, accounted for 54% of the detected microplastics, followed by PVC and nylon. Until now, precisely quantifying the amount of microplastics in human tissues was challenging, but this new analytical method allows for a more accurate measurement of these particles.

A three-step analytical method

The first step of the used method involves a chemical treatment of the placenta samples. This process, called saponification, aims to dissolve fats and proteins present in the tissues. By eliminating these components, the researchers can isolate the plastic particles from other tissue elements, thus facilitating their later detection.

Once the samples are chemically treated, they undergo ultrahigh-speed centrifugation. This technique separates the plastic particles from other mixture components by migrating them to the bottom of the centrifuge tube. Thus, the microplastics are concentrated and ready for more detailed analysis.

Finally, the third step involves a pyrolysis process of the isolated plastic particles. The plastic deposits are heated to a high temperature, reaching up to 1112 degrees Fahrenheit (about 600 degrees Celsius). This intense heat causes the plastic particles to decompose into gas, which is then analyzed to accurately detect the presence of particles.

The implications of this contamination

The implications of this contamination are vast, affecting both human health and the environment. With global plastic production steadily increasing since the 1950s, plastic is now found in almost everything we consume, from bottled water to our daily food. This ubiquity of plastic in our environment increases the risks of exposure, both through ingestion and inhalation.

While the exact effects of microplastics on human health are yet to be determined, previous studies have shown that these particles can damage human cells and cause inflammation, or even release harmful chemicals contained in plastics. This widespread contamination also raises concerns about the increase in certain health problems, such as inflammatory bowel diseases and colon cancer, as well as a decrease in sperm count.

The presence of microplastics in the placenta is particularly worrying, as this organ only begins to develop late in pregnancy, thus serving as a natural barrier for the fetus. However, this study reveals that microplastics are capable of crossing this barrier, thereby posing a potential threat to fetal development.

In light of this alarming situation, Matthew Campen and his team plan to continue their research to better understand the impacts of microplastics on human health.