Microplastics may have an effect on the placenta during pregnancy – ZonMw

by time news

Research has shown that tiny plastic particles may have subtle effects on the placenta. The results, described by researcher Hanna Dusza and colleagues, were recently published in the leading journal Environmental Health Perspectives. The researchers call for additional research to better understand the effect of micro- and nanoplastics on the health of the mother and the developing child.

Photo made by Bas Niemans (Utrecht University)

The health effects of microplastics are still unclear

Research has previously shown that the placenta of pregnant women contains microplastics. But what is the effect of those tiny micro- and nanometer-sized plastic particles on maternal and fetal health? A research team from Utrecht University, Dijklander Hospital, VU University, Deltares and Mount Sinai School of Medicine (US) conducted research in a laboratory on the uptake, transport and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics in placenta cells grown outside the body, and the effect on these cells. The researchers saw a subtle effect on the genes responsible for hormone production and metabolism. Read the news item from Utrecht University about the effect of exposure to microplastics from the beginning of human life and view the publication in the English-language professional journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

Is more knowledge needed about the effect of microplastics in the placenta?

ZonMw puts on the agenda and finances research into microplastics and health because little is known about the possible health risks, while the amount of microplastics and nanoplastics in our living environment continues to increase. Knowledge about the health risks of microplastics is important so that we can prevent health damage. That is why ZonMw started the Microplastics and Health program in 2018. Read more about the first 15 completed projects on our website, including this placenta research and the research into microplastics in human blood.

This research is related to other research

Senior program manager Frank Pierik at ZonMw says: “Research into microplastics and health is a jigsaw puzzle, and this research provides an important piece of the puzzle. The knowledge agenda that we have drawn up in 2020 indicates which pieces of the puzzle are still needed. There is still a long way to go: in addition to the 15 breakthrough projects, and their follow-up in the MOMENTUM consortium, even more pieces of the puzzle will have to be put together in order to arrive at appropriate solutions.”

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