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New research published in the journal Environment International found evidence of microplastics in the human placenta. Researchers called the finding “a matter of great concern.”

Source: Science & Nature/YouTube

The particles found in the placenta were likely consumed or breathed in by the mothers. Four healthy women who had normal pregnancies and births had placentas that contained microplastics. A dozen plastic particles were found but its worth nothing that only 4% of each placenta was analyzed.

“It is like having a cyborg baby: no longer composed only of human cells, but a mixture of biological and inorganic entities,” said Antonio Ragusa, director of obstetrics and gynaecology at the San Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli hospital in Rome, and who led the study, in The Guardian. “The mothers were shocked.”

The researchers concluded, “Due to the crucial role of placenta in supporting the foetus’s development and in acting as an interface with the external environment, the presence of potentially harmful plastic particles is a matter of great concern. Further studies need to be performed to assess if the presence of microplastics may trigger immune responses or may lead to the release of toxic contaminants, resulting in harm.”

Source: CNN/YouTube

The effect of microplastics on the body is unknown, but microplastics have been found from the depths of the oceans to the peak of Mount Everest.

Read more about microplastics in One Green Planet, check out these articles:

Sign this petition to Ban Single-Use Plastic; Microplastics Have Now Been Found in Antarctica!

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There are products you may be using or habits you may have that contribute to plastic pollution. Learn more about how the use of Teabags, Cotton Swabs, Laundry, Contact Lenses, Glitter and Sheet Masks pollute our oceans so you can make more informed decisions going forward. There are also numerous simple actions and switches that can help cut plastic out of our lives including, making your own cosmetics, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, household cleaners, using mason jars, reusable bags/bottles/straws, and avoiding microbeads!

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