Study Links Microplastics to Higher Premature Birth Rates

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A recent study has found that microplastic pollution is significantly higher in placentas from premature births compared to those from full-term births. Conducted by researchers from Baylor College of Medicine, the analysis revealed an average of 203 micrograms of plastic per gram of tissue in premature placentas—over 50% more than the 130 micrograms found in full-term placentas. Dr. Enrico Barrozo noted that this unexpected correlation raises concerns about the potential health risks posed by plastics to pregnant women.

While previous research has established a link between air pollution and preterm births, the current study highlights microplastics as a potential contributor, although it only shows an association, not causation. Prof. Kjersti Aagaard emphasized the need for further investigation to explore the impact of microplastics on human health. The study analyzed 175 placentas from the Houston area and detected twelve types of plastic, with significant variances in exposure levels between the two groups.

The findings were presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting and aim to raise awareness about the risks associated with plastic exposure.

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