From the Guardian today:
Microplastic particles have been revealed in the placentas of unborn babies for the first time, which the researchers said is “a matter of great concern
www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/22/microplastics-revealed-in-placentas-unborn-babies
The health impact of microplastics in the body is as yet unknown. But the scientists said they could carry chemicals that could cause long-term damage or upset the foetus’s developing immune system. The particles are likely to have been consumed or breathed in by the mothers.
The particles were found in the placentas from four healthy women who had normal pregnancies and births. Microplastics were detected on both the foetal and maternal sides of the placenta and in the membrane within which the foetus develops.
A dozen plastic particles were found. Only about 4% of each placenta was analysed, however, suggesting the total number of microplastics was much higher. All the particles analysed were plastics that had been dyed blue, red, orange or pink and may have originally come from packaging, paints or cosmetics and personal care products.
It's also not universal:
The potential effects of microplastics on foetuses include reduced foetal growth, they said. The particles were not found in placentas from two other women in the study, which may be the result of different physiology, diet or lifestyle, the scientists said.
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I was aware of this before, but currently pregnant so it's hitting home. For people who try to minimize their plastic use (or ingestion of microplastics): what do you do in terms of lifestyle, everyday consumption and so on? Any recommendations for learning about the subject?
If you're not really bothered by it, why?
It might be that you can't tell apart these children when they're five, but if there's no way of knowing its impact on long-term health - cancer risk and whatnot - then is it worth taking the risk and ignoring the subject altogether?