Health: microplastics detected in human placenta and arteries

2024-02-29T11:04:36.308Z

Highlights: Microplastics have already been detected in human blood, breast milk and the placenta. Two new scientific studies warn of the potential risks this presents for human health. Polyethylene, used to make plastic bags and bottles, but also PVC and nylon. accumulation of this plastic could have a link with atherosclerosis. That is, the formation of plaques in the arteries that can block blood flow and lead to a heart attack or stroke. The exact impact of microplastics on health is still unclear, but damage to human cells has already been demonstrated.

We produce and use so much plastic every day that microparticles of this material derived from petroleum are now found and polluting the entire planet, from the summit of Everest...

Health: microplastics detected in human placenta and arteries

We produce and use so much plastic every day that microparticles of this petroleum-derived material are now found and polluting the entire planet, from the summit of Everest to the bottom of the oceans, including our own bodies.

Microplastics have already been detected in human blood, breast milk and the placenta.

Two new scientific studies warn of the potential risks this presents for human health.

The presence of microplastics is increasing in human tissues (photo illustration).

By: RFI Follow

Scientists from the University of New Mexico in the United States studied 62 samples of human placenta.

In these samples, there were significant concentrations of

microplastics

Polyethylene, used to make plastic bags and bottles, but also PVC and nylon.

For researchers, the growing presence of plastic in human tissues could explain the increase in certain pathologies such as chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, colon cancer before the age of fifty, or even the drop in sperm count.

Also read: The challenge of microplastics that invade us

The exact impact of microplastics on health is still unclear, but damage to human cells has already been demonstrated in the laboratory.

Either due to the chemical additives they contain or due to the accumulation of plastic which causes inflammation.

As for the Beijing Medical University study, scientists detected microplastics in all 17 artery samples examined – coronary arteries, carotids and aortas.

And according to them, the accumulation of this plastic could have a link with atherosclerosis.

That is, the formation of plaques in the arteries that can block blood flow and lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Also read Ultrafine particles in France: in Roissy, the air is as polluted as on the Paris ring road

Health: microplastics detected in human placenta and arteries

Health: microplastics detected in human placenta and arteries

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