A Norwegian study has confirmed the presence of microplastics in the placenta and in newborns. 

Plastic breaks down into microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics, and these different forms of plastic can be found almost everywhere around the globe.

The findings by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) show a new level of exposure to the materials. 

“It’s quite possible that children are more exposed to microplastics than adults, similar to children’s greater exposure to many other environmental toxic chemicals,” says Dr Kam Sripada - a neuroscientist from NTNU and head of the Centre for Digital Life Norway (DLN), a national centre for biotechnology, research and innovation.

“No one knows exactly how much microplastic a child ingests. But several studies now suggest that today's children absorb microplastics in their bodies as early as at foetal age. This is concerning,” says Sripada.

Her research group found a total of 37 different articles about nano- and microplastics in connection with pregnancy and childhood.

“Although a lot of research is being done on microplastics, studies on the health effects of these plastic particles are limited. This applies especially to the effects on children,” says Martin Wagner, an associate professor of biology at NTNU.

“Children do not have a fully developed immune system and are in a very important phase of their brain development. This makes them particularly vulnerable,” says Dr Sripada.

Almost no studies have estimated how much plastic children ingest; but the sources of plastic are abundant.

Children can ingest microplastics numerous ways. Even during pregnancy, they can absorb it through the placenta. Microplastics are in lots of products, such as baby bottles, toys, textiles and food packaging. 

The researchers believe that breast milk and infant formula may also contain microplastics, but this is not known for sure.

Microplastics do not just contain plastic, but carry a variety of toxic chemicals as well.

Plastic might have phthalates and metals added for colour, stabilisation or as a biocide, for example. 

Several of these substances are harmful to children's health. When microplastics end up outdoors - for example as particles from car tires - this plastic core is often coated with air pollution and car exhaust.

“Nano- and microplastics are so miniscule that they can travel deep into the lungs and can also cross into the placenta. At the same time, they transport dangerous chemicals with them on their journey. That’s why we believe that nano- and microplastics can be a health risk for children,” says Dr Sripada.

Researching the cocktail of chemicals that are in and around plastic with today's technology is also really challenging.

“It’s difficult to study microplastics in the body, and even more difficult to do research on  nanoplastics,” says Dr Wagner.

The research group is calling for more research in the field that focuses on life’s early stages, such as pregnant women’s level of exposure to various plastic substances, and how plastic can be transferred to the foetus.

The latest study is accessible here.