Microplastics Persist After Birth, Study In Mice Shows

Image: Pexels

16 Oct 2024

Microplastics can transfer from mothers to unborn offspring and persist beyond birth, new research shows


Image: Pexels

A study in mice found microplastics lingering in newborns for at least two weeks after birth


Image: Pexels

Researchers from Rutgers University discovered traces of polyamide-12 microplastics in multiple organs of newborn mice


Image: Pexels

The study indicates these particles may pass from the mother's womb or possibly breast milk


Image: Unsplash

Microplastics were detected in the lungs, hearts, livers, kidneys, and brains of the newborn mice


Image: Unsplash

There are concerns that similar findings in humans could suggest long-term health risks for children


Image: Unsplash

Microplastics have been linked to increased cardiovascular risks, but long-term effects remain uncertain


Image: Unsplash

Early exposure to pollutants like microplastics is known to raise health risks later in life


Image: Unsplash

Despite growing concerns, plastic use remains widespread, with 450 million tonnes produced globally each year


Image: Unsplash

Scientists emphasize the need for policies to identify and reduce the most toxic plastics


Image: Unsplash

Check More Stories

Image: Reuters 

Image: Unsplash

Image: Unsplash

ndtv.com