Rise of microplastics discovered in placentas of Hawaii mothers

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi and Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children has revealed a concerning trend: the presence of microplastics in placentas from women who gave birth in Hawaiʻi between 2006 and 2021. These microplastics, which are visible to the naked eye, have been increasing in quantity over the years, with all 10 placentas examined in 2021 containing these particles. The study raises questions about how these microplastics, likely entering the body through food or air, may affect fetal development and whether they can cross the placental barrier.

Hawaiʻi's unique geographical location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, its tropical climate, and a lack of recycling facilities contribute to the breakdown of plastics into microplastics. Researchers believe that these microplastics may be present in food or inhaled and subsequently absorbed by the body, ultimately accumulating in the placenta during pregnancy. The study's findings underscore the urgent need to understand the potential health impacts of microplastics on both the developing fetus and the broader population.

The research team, led by obstetrician Men Jean Lee, is continuing its investigations to determine whether microplastics can penetrate the protective placental barrier and reach the fetus. While the study does not intend to alarm the public, it highlights critical questions about the sources and effects of maternal microplastics, their potential impact on fetal growth, and the long-term consequences for babies exposed to these particles.