Prenatal exposure to nano- and microplastics and early-life health risks

Globally, Humans are in close and frequent contact with plastics and their degradation products particularly nano- and microplastics and related chemicals (NMPs). Recently, microplastic fragments were detected in human placentas on both the fetal and maternal sides as well as chorioamniotic membranes. The project aims to uncover early-life exposures to NMPs and their potential early-life health risks. Findings will accelerate the development of preventive actions to protect the health of the next generation. Our hypothesis is that NMPs and related chemicals exist in human placenta and exert potential health effects in different ways which may be significant for the long-term health of exposed embryo and fetus. In addition, we propose that the chemicals present in plastics having endocrine disruption properties which may lead to altered steroidogenesis in human placenta and ultimately change hormonal growth environment of fetus.