Microplastics in our environment
We’ve all wondered if the plastic in our environment reaches our unborn babies in the womb and now, for the first time, scientists have actually found small plastic fragments in the human placenta.1
Plastic, in its many forms, is very useful and not likely to disappear off the shelves anytime soon. So limiting exposure, especially when pregnant, becomes a key step in avoiding microplastic toxicity. There are many chemicals in plastic that give it its pliability, stability, and even colour, which just may be contributing to your mystery endocrine or neurological symptoms.
Plastic has become a dirty word in many circles and shockingly, most of the world’s seabed is covered in the material. Over 320 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year worldwide, and more than 40% is from single-use packaging.1 We are literally eating, drinking, and breathing microplastics every day, so we must consider it in many of our patient presentations. These microplastics make their way into the bloodstream, then into various cells throughout the body, including the placenta. So what does this mean for bub?
The placenta finely regulates the foetal to maternal environment, providing nutrients while removing waste and toxins during what is arguably the most vulnerable period of human life. Plastic breaks down and releases chemicals used to give plastic its distinct characteristics. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is one chemical we’ve all heard of that is widely infused into our lives. Found in plastic food and drink containers, baby bottles and pacifiers, mobile phone covers, and even in our shopping receipts, BPA produces strong and resilient plastics.2
What’s concerning is that we have known BPA has oestrogenic effects since the early 1930s. Recent studies have confirmed it to be a known endocrine disruptor, associated with reproductive disorders, breast cancer, obesity, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disease.3
BPA has become part of product manufacturer’s’ marketing campaigns. We see plastics labelled as “BPA free” but the reality is, BPA is just one chemical, there are many others present in plastics, causing negative health impacts.
What are microplastics?
Tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size that easily move through the environment to be absorbed by all living organisms. Small enough to enter the blood stream. Plastic breaks down to micro particles in the environment by ozone, waves, abrasion, ultraviolet radiation from the sun, mould and bacteria, and humidity in the atmosphere.
How microplastics effect human health across the lifespan:1,3
Endocrine disruption – cancer (breast, prostate, testes), cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes), reproductive issues (genital malformations, infertility, early puberty, foetal damage) Neurodevelopment (learning disorders, autism spectrum disorders) Immune system activation (asthma, autoimmune disease) Reduced foetal growth Preeclampsia DNA or chromosomal damage
Read more about the many different plastics found in our environment at https://truemedicine.com.au/tips/born-toxic/
Ragusa A, Svelato A, Santacroce C, et al. Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta. Environ Int. 2021;146:106274. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2020.106274 Danish EPA. Exposure of Pregnant Consumers to Suspected Endocrine Disruptors.; 2012. https://www2.mst.dk/Udgiv/publications/2012/04/978-87-92903-02-0.pdf Campanale C, Massarelli C, Savino I, Locaputo V, Uricchio VF. A detailed review study on potential effects of microplastics and additives of concern on human health. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(4). doi:10.3390/ijerph17041212 Plastic Oceans. Plastic: It’s not all the same. Published 2021. Accessed August 16, 2022. https://plasticoceans.org/7-types-of-plastic/ World Health Organization. Dioxins and their effects on human health. Published 2016. Accessed August 18, 2022. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/d… Lassen C, Hansen CL, Mikkelsen SH, Maag J. Siloxanes – Consumption , Toxicity and Alternatives. DANISH Minist Environ Environ Proj No 1031 2005 Miljøprojekt. 2005;(1031):1-111.
