Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Case series analyzing human tissue samples without a comparative control group
PubMed 33395930 · doi:10.1016/j.envint.2020.106274
What was done
Researchers collected six human placentas from consenting women with uncomplicated physiological pregnancies. Placental tissue samples from the fetal side, maternal side, and chorioamniotic membranes were analyzed using Raman microspectroscopy to identify, quantify, and chemically characterize microplastic particles.
What was found
A total of 12 microplastic fragments (5 to 10 μm in size, spherical or irregular) were identified in 4 of the 6 placentas: 5 on the fetal side, 4 on the maternal side, and 3 in the chorioamniotic membranes. All fragments were pigmented; three were chemically confirmed as stained polypropylene, and nine were identified only by synthetic pigments used in coatings, paints, adhesives, cosmetics, and personal care products.
Why it matters
This study provides early evidence that microplastics can reach human placental tissue during pregnancy, demonstrating potential maternal-fetal internal exposure.
Limits
The sample size is very small (n = 6), microplastics were not detected in 2 of the 6 placentas, the abstract lacks clinical or fetal outcome measurements, and the polymer matrix could not be fully identified for 9 of the 12 particles.
Cited by
- supports Microplastics have been detected on both maternal and fetal sides of human placentas post-birth as well as in amniotic membranes.