Summary
A study found significantly higher levels of microplastics in placentas from premature births compared to full-term births, suggesting possible links between plastic pollution and preterm deliveries.
Researchers detected 50% more plastic in preterm placentas, with PET and PVC being the most prevalent.
While the study shows an association, not causation, microplastics are known to cause inflammation, which can trigger labor.
Experts call for further research and urgent measures to reduce human exposure to microplastics due to potential health risks.
It’s tampons.
Recently, the fragmentation and release of N/MPLs from period products has been demonstrated [11], by identifying synthetic polymers in 7 out of 12 products tested (polyester, PP, PE and nylon). Considering the median number of particles found in the tested products, it can be estimated that a woman using tampons could be exposed to 86 trillion fragmented synthetic polymers over a lifetime of product use. Apart from their contribution to environmental pollution with N/MPLs, it has not been shown whether plastic-containing period products releasing N/MPLs during usage may interact with the respective tissues…
From: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10380279/