Several microplastic fragments were found for the first time in human placenta. The study-conducted in Italy, funded by MIUR and published in Environment International-shines a light on microplastic exposure levels and public health risks. (1)
Microplastics in the placenta, research in Italy
The researchers took human placenta samples from 6 women giving birth at the San Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli Hospital on Tiber Island in Rome. The material was analyzed at the Vibrational Spectroscopy Laboratory of the Polytechnic University of Marche.
12 microplastic fragments (ranging in size from 5 to 10 μm), all pigmented, spherical or irregular in shape, were found in 4 of the 6 placenta samples examined. 5 in the fetal side, 4 on the maternal side, 3 in the chorioamniotic membranes.
The origin of microplastics
All particles were characterized in terms of morphology and chemical composition. Analyses identified its chemical formula, i.e., the pigments used.
Three samples were identified as colored polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer, while for the other nine only pigments could be identified.
From pigments a hypothesis on provenance
Each pigment identified is an indicator of the possible source of the contamination. A few examples among those analyzed:
– yellow iron hydroxide oxide is the pigment used for coloring polymers (plastic and rubber) and in a wide variety of cosmetics, such as BB creams and foundations,
– Copper phthalocyanine and phthalocyanine are used for coloring plastic materials (polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate) and for finger paints,
– violanthrone is mainly used for dyeing fabrics (cotton/polyester), coating products, adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners,
– Overseas blue finds application mainly in cosmetics. Soap, lipstick, mascara, eye shadow and other makeup products.
Particles inhaled or ingested
Exposure to microplastics now seems inevitable. Their presence is established
– In the waters. In waters used in agriculture and so in Italian lakes, as well as in the seas,
– in foods, even inside fruits and vegetables,
– in the air.
Microplastics and nanoplastics are then carried into the body through the respiratory and intestinal systems. With toxic effects of various kinds, which have already been partly referred to.
The size of all MPs was ~10 μm, except for two that were smaller (~5 μm). These values are consistent with possible blood carriage. Unfortunately, we do not know how microplastics reach the bloodstream and whether they come from the respiratory or gastrointestinal system.
The risks to mother and child
The presence of microplastics in the placenta configures worrisome risks, according to researchers. Given the smallness of each placental sample (23 g compared to a total weight of about 600 g), it is also plausible that the contamination is extensive.
Possible consequences on pregnancy outcomes and the fetus are the transgenerational effects of plasticizer on metabolism and reproduction. Further studies need to be conducted to assess whether the presence of MP in the human placenta may trigger immune responses or may lead to the release of toxic contaminants, resulting in harm to pregnancy.
Lifestyle and genetics
An additional interesting aspect highlighted by the study concerns the failure to find microplastics in 2 of the 6 placentas examined. In fact, among the reasons may be a kind of individual imperviousness.
Transplacental passage of microplastics may depend on different physiological conditions and genetic characteristics. This could explain, along with the different dietary and lifestyle habits of the patients, the absence of microplastics in 2 of the 6 placentas analyzed and the different location and characteristics of the particles identified in the present study.
Marta Strinati
Notes
(1) Antonio Ragusa, Alessandro Svelato, Criselda Santacroce, Piera Catalano, Valentina Notarstefano, Oliana Carnevali, Fabrizio Papa, Mauro Ciro Antonio Rongioletti, Federico Baiocco, Simonetta Draghi, Elisabetta D’Amore, Denise Rinaldo, Maria Matta, Elisabetta Giorgini. (2020). Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta, Environment International, Volume 146, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106274
Professional journalist since January 1995, he has worked for newspapers (Il Messaggero, Paese Sera, La Stampa) and periodicals (NumeroUno, Il Salvagente). She is the author of journalistic surveys on food, she has published the book "Reading labels to know what we eat".