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“It’s like giving birth to a fictitious baby, not just human cells anymore,” the experts said.
According to the British newspaper Independent, Scientists have described the discovery of microparticles in the placenta of newborn mothers as “a cause for concern” after the new study identified a variety of synthetic substances from relative tissue samples. little.
The women who participated in the study in Italy had no complications during delivery and the impact of these tiny plastic particles is still unknown; However, experts suggest that plastic can serve as a vehicle for toxic chemicals that damage the fetal immune system.
Pediatric researchers from the Fatebenefratelli Hospital in Rome and the Politecnica delle Marche University said: “With the presence of plastic in the body, the self-aware immune system is altered, even what is not.” It must be organic, it is like having a fictional baby, which are no longer just human cells, but a combination of a biological and inorganic entity.
The study’s lead author, Antonio Ragusa, head of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Fatebenefratelli, said “mothers were surprised” to hear the news.
The research team found 12 microplastics in four of the six placentas donated by pregnant women after giving birth. Only 3% of the placental tissue was sampled, suggesting that the total amount of microplastics could be much higher. “The first time I saw microplastics in the placenta, I was very surprised,” said Dr. Ragusa.
All the plastic samples were pigmented, according to the research article. “Three samples were identified as dyed polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer, while the remaining nine were only able to identify colorants, all of which were used for artificial coatings, paints, adhesives, putties, finger paints, polymers, and cosmetics and personal care products. “.
The researchers note that over the past century, global plastic production has reached 320 million tons per year, and more than 40% is used as disposable packaging, which contributes greatly to waste levels. the plastic.
Within human cells, microplastics are considered by the host organism to be foreign and this can trigger local immune responses.
Microplastics can also act as carriers for other chemicals, including environmental pollutants and plastic additives, which can be released and cause harm to health, the authors say. the authors said.
To ensure that the placenta in the research project was free from plastic contamination after leaving the body, a plastic-free environment was maintained throughout the experiment. Obstetricians and midwives wear cotton gloves to aid in labor. In the delivery room, only cotton towels are used to cover the patient’s bed, the umbilical cord is held and cut with metal forceps, avoiding contact with plastic materials. The pathologist also wears cotton gloves and uses a metal scalpel.
Due to the important role that the placenta plays in supporting fetal development and acts as an interface between the fetus and the external environment, the presence of particles (exogenous and potentially harmful resin is a matter of great concern ”.
The research is published in the journal Environment International.
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