the study also reported the presence of “pigmented microplastics” in human placentas, which are essentially paints and dyes found in handbags, car interiors, and other products.
although more research is needed to assess the impact of microplastics on the health of an unborn baby, some animal studies found that microplastics can reach the brain of
fish
and cause behavioural disorders and brain damage.
“further studies need to be performed to assess if the presence of microplastics in human placenta may trigger immune responses or may lead to the release of toxic contaminants,” the research states.
every year, the global production of plastic generates more than
320 million tonnes
, and nearly half of that comes from packaging. a recent
study
on canadian plastic industry, markets and waste estimates that only about nine per cent of plastic is properly recycled.
according to the united nations and its
#cleanseas campaign
, up to 80 per cent of all litter in oceans is made up of plastic and it estimates that by 2050, “oceans will carry more plastic than fish.” in 2017, the un announced ambitious measures to help reduce microplastics — and its impact on wild marine life — by more than 70 per cent over the next three decades.