MICROPLASTICS could harm fetal health, according to new research presented by scientists.
The findings were presented by scientists at the Plastic Health Summit in Amsterdam. Research conducted at Utrecht University found that even very large plastic particles can be absorbed by placenta cells. This includes 10 micrometre polystyrene particles which can be absorbed. The research also found that plastic particles can become a vector for other chemicals they encounter in the environment.
This in turn could expose the fetus to a raft of potentially dangerous pollutants. These pollutants include Polychlorinated Biphenyls – a group of manmade chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer in animals. Lead researcher Hanna Dusza said more research is urgently required to establish the extent to which microplastics in the fetal environment can affect health.