A new study reveals startling findings about the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in the placentas of preterm infants, indicating significantly higher levels when compared to those born at full term. This research, shared at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's (SMFM) annual meeting, intensifies concerns surrounding plastic pollution and its potential influence on human health.
Microplastics, defined as particles smaller than 5 millimeters, along with nanoplastics, which are almost invisible to the naked eye, are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, permeated through different aspects of our environment. The study found these small plastic particles accumulating at alarming levels within the placentas of preterm births—suggesting significant exposure during pregnancy.
Conducted by researchers from esteemed institutions such as Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, and the University of New Mexico, the groundbreaking study analyzed 175 placentas with a careful eye on technology. Highly sensitive mass spectrometry allowed researchers to gauge the levels of microplastics to an unprecedented degree. Of those analyzed, 100 placentas were from full-term births, each averaging about 37.2 weeks of gestation, whereas 75 were from preterm births defined as occurring before 37 weeks.
“The finding of higher placental concentrations among preterm births was surprising,” noted Dr. Enrico R. Barrozo, the study’s lead author and Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine. “It was counterintuitive to what you might expect if it was merely a byproduct of the length of time of the pregnancy.” The research revealed an average of 203 micrograms of plastic per gram of tissue (µg/g) present in the placentas from preterm births. That’s more than 50% higher than the 130 µg/g found in full-term placentas.
These findings raise concerns about the potential effects of microplastics on pregnancy and infant health—questions linger as to whether such plastic accumulation could contribute directly to the incidence of preterm births. Preterm birth remains the leading cause of infant mortality worldwide, with two-thirds of preterm births being of unknown origin. This study adds another layer to the growing body of evidence linking environmental pollutants to health issues.
Dr. Kjersti Aagaard, senior author and maternal-fetal subspecialist, emphasized, “This study hints at the possibility of the accumulation of plastics contributing to the occurrence of preterm birth.” The findings tie back to previous research showing both the environmental persistence of microplastics and their potential physiological impacts, including inflammation—an important factor known to trigger labor.
The researchers also highlighted various types of plastic detected, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), found widely in plastic bottles, as well as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, and polycarbonate. The link between air pollution and premature births has previously guided research, prompting this exploration of plastic pollutants.
While the study establishes an important association, the authors stress the need for caution. “This study showed an association and not causation,” Barrozo stated. “But I think it is important to increase people’s awareness of microplastics and their associations with potential human health effects.” He insisted on the necessity of investigating the health ramifications of interventions aimed at reducing exposure to these materials.
Published in the academic journal Pregnancy, this research builds upon earlier studies, which already hinted at alarming levels of microplastics found across human biological samples, including semen, breast milk, and even the brains and livers of individuals. The cumulative impact of these contaminants is largely still unknown. Significant strides are being made to understand not only how these particles invade our bodies but also how they might affect health outcomes.
The ramifications of this study demand immediate attention as policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public are alerted to the potential hazards associated with ubiquitous plastic contaminants. Plastic pollution isn't just about what we see—it’s about what may be silently affecting our health from within.