Microscopic plastic particles were found in the blood of most placental samples tested, suggesting that pregnant individuals are commonly exposed to these particles.

Scientists have determined the lowest amount of micro- and nanoplastics that can be reliably measured in blood from the human placenta, with detection limits varying between 0.15 and 0.60 micrograms per milliliter based on the type of plastic. This provides a reference point for future laboratory tests.

Tiny plastic particles have been found in the blood of human placentas, with the most common types being polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene, indicating that these pollutants can pass from the mother’s bloodstream into the placenta.

Tiny pieces of plastic have been found in the placenta, blood, breastmilk, and even a newborn’s first stool, which means babies might be exposed to plastic pollution before they’re born — and that could be a health concern.

Scientists detected tiny plastic particles from six common plastics in the blood of all 102 people tested, with PVC found in nearly all samples and measurable amounts in 14 individuals, showing that these synthetic polymers are routinely present in human blood.

Tiny plastic particles that are 20 nanometers wide can harm human placenta cells in a lab, even at very low levels—and they’re more harmful than slightly bigger 100 nm particles.