04 January 2024 | Rewa E. Zurub, Yusmaris Cariaco, Michael G. Wade, Shannon A. Bainbridge
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are increasingly prevalent in the environment and have raised concerns about their impact on human health, particularly during pregnancy and fetal development. This review highlights the potential toxic effects of micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) on human fertility, pregnancy, and child health. MNPs are small plastic particles that can accumulate in various organs and may enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. They have been detected in human placenta tissue and meconium, indicating direct exposure to the fetus. The presence of MNPs in the placenta may disrupt fetal growth and development, leading to long-term health consequences for the offspring.
Studies have shown that exposure to MNPs can affect male and female reproductive systems. In males, MNPs have been linked to reduced sperm quality and quantity, as well as impaired testicular function. In females, MNPs have been associated with altered reproductive hormone levels and reduced fertility. The mechanisms underlying these effects are thought to involve oxidative stress and disruptions to epigenetic programming, which can influence fetal development and long-term health outcomes.
During pregnancy, MNPs have been found in placental tissue, which may lead to adverse effects on fetal growth and development. MNPs can cross the placental barrier and affect the fetal environment, potentially leading to reduced fetal weight, growth restriction, and other developmental issues. The long-term effects of MNP exposure during pregnancy are not fully understood, but there is growing concern about their potential to impact future generations.
The review also highlights the need for further research to better understand the health impacts of MNPs, particularly in humans. Current studies are limited in scope and often focus on specific types of MNPs, such as PS-MNPs. There is a need for more comprehensive studies that consider the diverse range of MNPs and their potential toxic effects. Additionally, there is a need to develop better methods for measuring MNP exposure in humans and to assess the long-term health consequences of exposure. The findings of this review underscore the importance of addressing the issue of microplastic pollution to protect human health and prevent long-term adverse effects on future generations.Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are increasingly prevalent in the environment and have raised concerns about their impact on human health, particularly during pregnancy and fetal development. This review highlights the potential toxic effects of micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) on human fertility, pregnancy, and child health. MNPs are small plastic particles that can accumulate in various organs and may enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. They have been detected in human placenta tissue and meconium, indicating direct exposure to the fetus. The presence of MNPs in the placenta may disrupt fetal growth and development, leading to long-term health consequences for the offspring.
Studies have shown that exposure to MNPs can affect male and female reproductive systems. In males, MNPs have been linked to reduced sperm quality and quantity, as well as impaired testicular function. In females, MNPs have been associated with altered reproductive hormone levels and reduced fertility. The mechanisms underlying these effects are thought to involve oxidative stress and disruptions to epigenetic programming, which can influence fetal development and long-term health outcomes.
During pregnancy, MNPs have been found in placental tissue, which may lead to adverse effects on fetal growth and development. MNPs can cross the placental barrier and affect the fetal environment, potentially leading to reduced fetal weight, growth restriction, and other developmental issues. The long-term effects of MNP exposure during pregnancy are not fully understood, but there is growing concern about their potential to impact future generations.
The review also highlights the need for further research to better understand the health impacts of MNPs, particularly in humans. Current studies are limited in scope and often focus on specific types of MNPs, such as PS-MNPs. There is a need for more comprehensive studies that consider the diverse range of MNPs and their potential toxic effects. Additionally, there is a need to develop better methods for measuring MNP exposure in humans and to assess the long-term health consequences of exposure. The findings of this review underscore the importance of addressing the issue of microplastic pollution to protect human health and prevent long-term adverse effects on future generations.