In recent years, the presence of microplastics in human environments has become an increasingly concerning topic, extending its reach to the very beginnings of human life. Originally detected in four human placentas, the discovery marked the commencement of a troubling trend. Fast forward to the beginning of 2023, and the narrative deepened with findings of microplastics in 17 placentas. A subsequent study in Hawai'i, analyzing donated placentas from 2006 to 2021, underscored a significant rise in plastic contamination over time.
Now, researchers have analyzed an even larger sample, and guess what? Every. Single. Placenta. contained plastic.
Researchers employed a novel technique to scrutinize the largest collection of placenta samples to date, uncovering minuscule plastic particles and fibers in all 62 tissue samples examined. These microplastics varied in concentration significantly, ranging from 6.5 to 685 micrograms per gram of tissue—a level surpassing those found in human blood.
The full implications of this contamination for both fetal and maternal health remain unclear. Although studies on mice have identified microplastics in every major organ, including the brain, the permanence and potential health threats of these pollutants in humans are still under investigation.
In other words, the scary part is that we have no idea what this means for babies or mothers. Microplastics are turning up in major organs of animals, even the brain! What if they build up in our bodies over time? It's clear that microplastic pollution is only getting worse, and that means more of it will end up in placentas.
"The more plastic there is, the more worried we should be," says biologist Matthew Campen. He's right – this could affect every mammal on Earth, and that's a truly terrifying thought.
As the prevalence of environmental plastic pollution escalates, so too does the risk of placenta contamination, given the increasing inhalation and ingestion of plastics by humans. The sentiment, "dose makes the poison," shared by biologist Matthew Campen from the University of New Mexico, highlights the growing concern over the potential health impacts as exposure levels rise. This scenario suggests a broader ecological concern, indicating that the effects of plastic pollution could extend across mammalian life on Earth.
Advancing the method of microplastic detection has been a pivotal area of research, aiming to quantify the mass of these pollutants and identify their specific types of plastic. This effort is crucial for assessing their health impacts. A breakthrough technique now allows for a high-resolution examination of plastics in human blood and tissue. It involves separating biological materials from plastic solids and analyzing the polymers to pinpoint their specific compounds.
We still have a lot of unanswered questions. What makes some placentas have way more plastic than others? Can these tiny particles even get from the placenta to the baby? More studies are urgently needed, because one thing's for sure – this pollution problem isn't going away on its own.
Autopsies Find New Culprit Causing Alzheimer's Disease
Recent research spearheaded by the University of Washington has shed new light on the role of microglia in Alzheimer's disease...
Study Finds Breakfast to Be More Important Than We Knew
New study further solidifies the importance of eating breakfast by revealing a clear connection between skipping breakfast and higher risk of heart disease.
Forget Apples! It's an Egg a Day That Keeps the Doc Away...
According to new research, it could actually be an egg a day that keeps the doctor away.Find out more here!
Birds Might Have Conscious Experiences, New Studies Reveal
Two grounbraking studies of birds brain structure reveal that avian and mammal brains are more similar than we thought - birds might even be self consious!
Breakthrough: Lion's Mane Mushrooms Boost Memory & Nerves!
Researchers have recently uncovered the mushroom's potent compounds, particularly hericene A, that could help nerve cells grow and better interact with each other.
New Technology Can Help Extend the Life of Cancer Patients
Israeli scientists have claimed to have found a groundbreaking new cancer treatment that can kill cancer cells in the body.
How to Increase the Amount of Oxygen in Your Blood
How can we make sure we're getting enough oxygen in our breathing? This video will make sure you know how.
How Much Fruit is TOO Much for Your Health?
Fruits are healthy, but is there a thing as eating too much of them? Watch out for these signs.
Beat Spider Veins With These Efficient, Natural Tips
Do you suffer from spider veins? Take advice on how you can treat or avoid them without paying a penny!
Feeling ConstantlyTired? You May Suffer From Chronic Fatigue
Did you know that millions of people suffer from Chronic Fatigue annually? Read about the symptoms and treatments for this plaguing condition.
3 Ways to Self Pop Your WHOLE BACK for Instant Pain Relief
Learn how to pop your own back for instant pain relief.
14 Super Foods that Fight to Prevent Cancer
These super foods, taken daily, have been proven to fight to free your body from the risk of cancer.
STOP Calf Pain - The Best Stretches for Your Sore Calves
Get rid of your calf pain for good with these simple exercises.
The MOST EFFECTIVE Tip for Amazing Hair, Nails, & Skin!
This is the most important skin advice you need to hear.
HOW MUCH Exercise Do I Need to Burn Off These Foods?
Before you go for that takeaway, you should see how much exercise you will need to do to burn off those calories. This chart will show you.
Every Senior Must Do These Simple Seated Exercises
Seniors will find this video extremely helpful.
Is Sleeping a Full 8 Hours a Night Not a Good Idea?
A neuroscientist explains why eight hours of sleep every night might not be best for you.
Doctor Tip: The Benefits and the Myths of Probiotics
In this video, a doctor explains all about probiotics, facts and myths.
Is Your Keyboard Hurting Your Wrists? Here’s How to Fix It
Did you know that your keyboard can damage your wrists? This video shows how to use it safely and 3 exercises that to counteract the damage
Melt Away Neck Pain and Tension Headaches With These Tips!
Tension at the base of the neck is a common cause of tension headaches, neck pain, and many other issues. Let these 3 exercises help you in just a few minutes!
How to Treat an Obstruction in Your Stomach
Did you know that you can naturally treat gastric obstructions by adding to organic ingredients to your diet?
Ear Check: How Old is Your Hearing?
Try this handy and quick hearing test to see if your hearing is impaired, old for your age or younger than you!
Did You Know: Why Are There Different Blood Types?
There are four main blood types that are prevalent throughout humanity. Watch this fascinating video to learn about blood types and their differences.
3 Easy Exercises to Alleviate Light-Headedness
If you're feeling dizzy or out of balance, these three exercises will help alleviate your symptoms.
Health Tips: The Best Natural Alternative for Viagra
Drinking this healthy drink everyday can help cure erectile dysfunction
5 Common Myths About Sugar We Must Stop Believing
In this video, we discover the truth behind 5 of the most common myths about sugar.
What Happens When We Eat Oatmeal Every Day?
Why is eating oatmeal every day so healthy, and what happens to our body when we stick to it?
10 Surprising Reasons You’re Feeling Stressed Right Now
We think we know what makes us stressed, but there are a surprising number of minor daily activities stressing you out that you're not aware of...
10 Most Frequent Misdiagnoses Made by Doctors
In the US, 1 out of every 20 adults are misdiagnosed. Here are 10 conditions that are commonly missed or mistaken for something else!
This Amazing Nutritional Plan Does Wonders For Your Health
The "daily dozen" nutritional plan was designed for people to follow should they wish to stay in optimal health. Learn more!
Did This Technique Just Kill 99% of Cancer Cells?
This revolutionary method, employing the power of vibrating molecules, heralds a new dawn in the fight against cancer, offering hope for a more efficient and less invasive approach to treatment.
An Ancient Chinese Story with a Lovely Moral
This beautiful Chinese tale tells the story of a maid and how she learned respect for her mother-in-law
Massage These 3 Points if You Have High Blood Pressure
While high blood pressure is caused by a variety of things, its most common cause is hypertension. Reduce your high blood pressure by using the ancient technique of acupressure.
Lose Weight by Using This Japanese Breathing Technique
This extraordinary deep-breathing weight-loss technique is known as the Japanese breathing technique to losing weight.
The Health Benefits of Waking Up to Lemon Water
Lemon water is nutritious, here is why you should drink water with lemon every day.
How to Effectively Improve Leg Circulation by About 75%
Here’s how you can improve blood circulation in your legs and feet effectively.
Warning: The Places Bacteria Hides...
The truth about hand washing and the spread of bacteria. This could keep you healthy longer!
Constantly Clearing Your Throat? Try These Remedies
Frustrated with constant throat clearing? Try these remedies.
Here's How to Clear a Stuffy Nose Instantly
There are some truly bizarre methods for clearing a stuffy nose out there, but they really seem to do the trick. Learn these methods today.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Healthy Tropical Fruits
Learn about eight easy-to-come-by tropical fruit that are both delicious and oh-so-healthy for you!
Doctor Tip: How to Drain Sinus and Clear Nose in 1 Move!
This doctor has a genius routine for draining your sinuses while also clearing your nose.
Let's Talk About the Anti-Cancer Benefit of Sweet Potatoes
Lets Talk About the Anti-Cancer Potential of Sweet Potatoes
How to Treat Hand Pain that Won't Go Away
Hand pain can be mysterious and annoying as heck. We use our hands all the time and it's hard to tell sometimes why we're hurting and what to do about it as we have to continue using them. This video will give you some tips on treating this pain.
9 Foods That Will Protect Your Skin From the Sun
These 9 foods each contributes something to the fight between your skin and the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Difficulty Sleeping? Try This Healthy Drink Before Bed
Struggling with sleep? This natural drink can help.
You Are What You Eat: How Foods You Eat Affect Your Mood
In recent years we discovered how incredibly important a good diet is in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Here's how it works.
Who's Most At Risk of Colon Cancer? Find Out Here!
Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer and deaths in the world. So who’s most at risk? How can it be screened? Find out here!