Environmentalists have been warning about the issue of plastic pollution for several decades. However, the gravity of the problem is still not being given the attention it deserves. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a type of plastic that is extensively used in the production of various products. This material poses a severe threat to the environment and enters the human body in the form of small molecules. Recently, scientists from the University of New Mexico Health Sciences conducted a study that found microplastics in the human placenta.
According to the report published in Toxicological Science, the concentration of microplastics in the tested tissues ranged from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of placental tissue. While these numbers may seem insignificant, the scientists are concerned about the increasing amount of microplastics in the environment, which poses a potential threat to human health. Matthew Campen, who is the lead author of the study, expressed his concerns about the rising amount of microplastics and said, “Seeing this effect in the placenta is very concerning.” He added that if the amount of plastic in the environment continues to increase, it could potentially affect the lives of all mammals on this planet.
Matthew Campen, lead author of the study, said he was concerned about the growing amount of microplastics. “Seeing this effect in the placenta is very concerning,” said the researcher. The lives of all mammals on this planet could be affected in the coming days.’
How is this test being done?
The report suggests that the placental tissue contains significant amounts of polymers that are used in the production of polyethylene, which is commonly used to manufacture plastic bags and bottles. This type of plastic is made up of nine different polymers, including PVC, which is harmful to both human health and the environment.
Matthew Campen further stated that the increasing concentration of microplastics in human body tissues can lead to various diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer, especially in people under the age of 50. Additionally, the number of sperm is decreasing, and babies born with increased concentrations of microplastics in the placenta are at risk of developing these problems.
The researchers fear that if the amount of plastic in the environment is not reduced now, the problem could double within the next 10 to 15 years. Therefore, it is imperative to take immediate action to reduce plastic consumption to avoid facing a catastrophic future by 2050.
To protect children’s health and well-being in the future, we need to take immediate action against the widespread prevalence of plastic in our environment.