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.
Thinking of Taking a Long Nap? It Might Not Be a Good Idea
A new study claims that taking long naps may be harmful for our health. Find out more.
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.
The Link Between Excessive TV Watching & Cognitive Decline
Three recent studies find that the more TV you watch in your 40s to 60s, the greater your risk of brain health issues later in life. What can you do about it?
What (Non-Psychedelic) Mushrooms Can Do for Your Brain
Lion's mane mushrooms are memory-enhancing brain food! Learn the science behind them here.
Can Probiotics Improve Mental Health? Research Says YES
Studies repeatedly show that probiotics can be a potentially effective treatment for several mental health issues. This is what is currently known on the topic.
Evolution Isn’t Over: New Anatomical Feature In Humans
A new study reveals evolution is far from over. In fact, humans are developing a new anatomical feature: a third artery in the arms
Tutorial: Relieve a Stiff Neck Naturally in Just 90 Seconds!
Take a look at several great stretches that you can try that will alleviate a stiff neck.
Vitamin Blast: The Best Vegan Sources of Vitamin D
Here's a dive into various beverages packed with nutrients vital for daily wellness and immune defense against viruses.
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!
For Great Health, Add Goji Berries to Your Shopping List!
From fighting aging to a super-charged immune system, this miracle fruit carries with it so many health benefits it should be in everyone's shopping cart.
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
STOP Calf Pain - The Best Stretches for Your Sore Calves
Get rid of your calf pain for good with these simple exercises.
ARFID: An Undiagnosed Eating Disorder?
In the ever-evolving realm of psychological disorders, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) has emerged as a puzzling newcomer in recent years.
MUST WATCH: Full-Body Chair Workout Guide for Seniors
This full chair workout for seniors covers every area of your body!
The 10 Most Effective Exercises for Neck Pain Relief
Get quick relief from a stiff neck with these easy stretches.
The Truth Behind the Most Popular Types of Diets
There are a lot of popular diets out there. But which one works the best?
3 Ways to Self Pop Your WHOLE BACK for Instant Pain Relief
Learn how to pop your own back for instant pain relief.
Think Over-the-Counter Medications Are Safe? Think Again!
It's easy to think over the counter drugs are harmless, but you better read this before purchasing! Let's look at the dangers of taking over-the-counter drugs and how they can be avoided.
Is Calorie-Counting Just a Nutrition Theory Gone Wrong?
We've all been counting calories for decades in hopes to cut down on our waistlines, but it turns our that the calorie system might be wrong
10 Instant Self-Checks Worth Performing Regularly at Home
Our body can give certain signs we don't always realize are indications of a bad health or disease - learn 10 brilliant ways of checking out your body for these signs regularly from home.
Shocking! This Is What Chocolate Does to Your Arteries...
Can chocolate cause strokes? Find out in this informative video from Dr. Greger.
9 Effective Treatments for Stiff and Sore Muscles
Have you ever woken up in the morning and stretched only to feel neck or shoulder pain? here's how you treat and prevent it.
Full Documentary: What Does It Mean to Be Morbidly Obese?
Looking into the life of an obese person from both a medical and psychological point of view, this video isn't one to miss!
Nothing Helps Your Migraine? Try This Yoga Practice
This easy restorative yoga practice focuses on pranayama breathing and can help reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of headaches and migraines
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.
What is a Normal Heartbeat, and and Why Does it Change?
What is a normal heartbeat? And do we get the same speed over all our life time? This video is about to give you those answers, and more...
This 1-Minute Headache Technique is Incredible!
There are 3 natural methods that you can do to get rid of your headache in minutes!
Gasp! 17 Surprising Facts About Your Lungs You Never Knew
Watch pulmonologist Dr. Ravi Kalhan answer some really interesting questions about our lungs.
Soothe Your Sciatic Pain with These 8 Natural Remedies
You don’t need to suffer from pain caused by sciatica. These 8 remedies are natural and effective at reducing unnecessary pain.
The Truth About the Medical Secrets of Amazon Tribes...
Mark Plotkin spent years among the tribes of the Amazon and he has some fascinating secrets to share.
What You Should & Shouldn't Eat With a Stomach Ache
Not sure what you should and shouldn't eat with an upset stomach? This video has all the answers!
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.
Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Bruises?
If you're getting bruises but can't recall taking a hit, maybe you're deficient in a certain vitamin. Learn the science here.
Important: The Dangers of Mixing Drugs Explained
What happens when we mix these drugs? Find out in this informative video.
The Surprising Reason Keeping Secrets Could Damage Health
Keeping secrets takes its toll on your mental health in multiple ways. Here's how to cope with that.
If You Eat These 9 Fish Regularly, You Should Stop!
We are always told how fish is healthy, but there are actually some types of fish that'll do more harm than good. Here are nine of them!
Transform Your Health with These Amazing Neck Techniques
These neck drills won't just relieve your neck discomfort, but will also treat a variety of neurological problems.
The MOST Important Exercise to Practice For Seniors
This video will walk you through one simple exercise recommended daily for older adults.
Here’s How You Can Lose the Fat UNDERNEATH Your Belly
Visceral fat is found inside your abdominal cavity. Getting rid of it can be a challenge, but not if you follow these simple tips.
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!
Warning: The Places Bacteria Hides...
The truth about hand washing and the spread of bacteria. This could keep you healthy longer!
6 NATURAL Ways to Treat Swollen Feet & Ankles
Swelling in your feet and ankles can lead to a variety of complications. Here’s how you can get rid of the naturally.
This Infograph Gives Terrific Info on Fruits and Veggies
This chart should be printed and hanged in every kitchen in the world.
Can Aging Be Cured in Your Lifetime? It May Be So...
Could there be a cure for aging? Watch this video and find out!
How to Fix Your Sleep Schedule – Science-Backed Facts
Find out how your circadian system functions as an internal clock to keep your body running.
Is a Diet High in Fiber an Effective Anti-Inflammatory?
Fiber is an essential part of our diet, for more reasons than just bowel movement.
Doctor Tip: The Benefits and the Myths of Probiotics
In this video, a doctor explains all about probiotics, facts and myths.
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.