In a recent study, Scientists find microplastics in 75% of 34 samples from new mothers. The presence of plastic in the environment remains a significant health concern. The health departments of the world need to focus on raising awareness about plastic use.
The Guardian reported that microplastic particles had been found in mother’s milk for the first time in history, leaving researchers and scientists concerned about the potential impact on the babies’ health.
The shocking discovery was made when human milk samples —collected from 34 healthy mothers within a week after childbirth in Rome, Italy — underwent a scan. Microplastics were detected in 75% of the pieces.
The presence of plastic in the environment remains a significant concern due to the harmful effects of the chemicals it contains, as the habitants of the ecosystem continue to bear the consequences of environmental pollution.
Previous research has shown the toxic effects of microplastics in human cell lines, lab animals, and marine wildlife, but the impact on living humans is still undiscovered.
As per the publication, the researchers considered the mothers’ consumption of food and drink packed in plastic and the use of personal hygiene products containing plastic but found no correlation with microplastics in breast milk.
The research suggested that microplastics are omnipresent in the environment, which “makes human exposure inevitable.”
“It will be crucial to assess ways to reduce exposure to these contaminants during pregnancy and lactation,” said Dr. Valentina Notarstefano. She led the study at the Universita Politecnica Delle Marche in Italy.
However, scientists stress the need to dig deeper into the reasons behind the presence of microplastics, as breastfeeding is by far the most healthy form of infant nutrition.
Topics #breastmilk #health #healthy emergency #infants #mother and infant health #mothers #trending pakistan
