June 2021 PMID 34206212

Detection of Microplastic in Human Placenta and Meconium in a Clinical Setting.

Thorsten Braun, Loreen Ehrlich, Wolfgang Henrich, Sebastian Koeppel, Ievgeniia Lomako, Philipp Schwabl, Bettina Liebmann

Mentions

80
Peak: 19 in Nov 2022
across 5 sources since Jun 2021

Extended reach

109,359
potential audience

Total likes

72

Video views

305

Mentions per month

Jun 2021 – Jun 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News41 articles
  • X / Twitter31 posts
  • Blogs5 articles
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions frequently highlight the disturbing nature of discovering microplastics in human tissues, with phrases like ‘we're basically screwed from before birth,’ signaling concern and alarm. The tone varies from casual acknowledgment to serious focus on health implications, as seen in comments about the study’s relevance to everyday life and future health, which together reflect a moderate but meaningful perception of its significance.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions show cautious support or curiosity about the findings, with some acknowledging the disturbing implications without outright disagreement.

InterestHigh interest

Posts express high curiosity, noting the study's findings related to human development and environmental impact, demonstrating engagement with the topic's relevance.

EngagementModerate engagement

Several comments reference the potential health and ecological consequences, while others share personal reflections or question the broader significance.

ImpactModerate impact

While some emphasize the importance of the findings and call for more attention or research, others treat the topic as an important but ongoing concern rather than a definitive breakthrough.

Abstract in brief

  • This study explores the presence of microplastics (MPs) in human placenta and meconium, indicating potential intrauterine exposure, and highlights the challenges of contamination during detection.
  • Using advanced methods like chemical digestion and FTIR microspectroscopy, researchers identified common types of MPs, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyurethane, in samples from cesarean deliveries.
  • The findings emphasize the importance of carefully evaluating contamination sources in future research and suggest that further studies on nanosized plastics in human tissues are needed to fully understand health implications.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
XR Cambridge
@xr_cambridge · X

A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver, spleen etc: https://t.co/cyiopzaV0K Placenta: https://t.co/cyiopzaV0K Brain: https://t.co/p4vhVn5qT9

Nov 18, 2022 · 44 likes · 15 shares · 30,953 followers View post →
Monica Lam
@monicazlam · X

3/ And enough about how sea animals are drowning in plastic waste. This is a human problem now: #microplastics have been found in the placentas of pregnant women - on both the fetal and maternal side. One study: https://t.co/rUcW4mSG6c @SenBooker @SenJeffMerkley @Plasticsimpact

Apr 18, 2022 · 7 likes · 2 shares · 1,329 followers View post →
George Monks, M.D.
@GeorgeMonks11 · X

(2) The health implications of microplastics is not yet known. I feel like this should be a much bigger story. Study here

Nov 25, 2022 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 7,119 followers View post →
Dr. Melanie Bergmann
@MelanieBergma18 · X

Interesting if disturbing study

Jun 29, 2021 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 6,430 followers View post →
Dave
@gabapentagram.bsky.social · Bluesky

Also found in the placenta and in the baby's meconium (baby's first poop for those like me that didn't know the word). So we're basically screwed from before birth. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34206212/

Jun 12, 2025 · 2 likes · 2 shares View post →
Dr. Melanie Bergmann
@MelanieBergma18 · X

5/ And in this study #microplastics were found in both placenta & meconium, indicating #microplastic exposure very early in life in a very sensitive development phase, when we avoid alcohol & cigarettes & many mothers aim for as healthy a diet as possible. https://t.co/COz1NgY3PJ

Mar 14, 2023 · 1 like · 6,430 followers View post →

All mentions

Dave
@gabapentagram.bsky.social · Bluesky

Also found in the placenta and in the baby's meconium (baby's first poop for those like me that didn't know the word). So we're basically screwed from before birth. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34206212/

Jun 12, 2025 · 2 likes · 2 shares View post →
Pharmaceutics MDPI
@MDPIpharma · X

We are delighted to share the #HighlyCitedPaper#: "Detection of Microplastic in Human Placenta and Meconium in a Clinical Setting".

Sep 4, 2023 · 3,731 followers View post →
Dr. Melanie Bergmann
@MelanieBergma18 · X

5/ And in this study #microplastics were found in both placenta & meconium, indicating #microplastic exposure very early in life in a very sensitive development phase, when we avoid alcohol & cigarettes & many mothers aim for as healthy a diet as possible. https://t.co/COz1NgY3PJ

Mar 14, 2023 · 1 like · 6,430 followers View post →
Tansy Blue
@TansyBlue · X

- The placenta and meconium: https://t.co/7aRRhDEqgl (suggesting that there is foetal exposure to microplastics) - Human blood: https://t.co/6KdTNBpzmR - The literal air we breathe: https://t.co/MEE1DFJbSs

Feb 4, 2023 · 190 followers View post →
Plastics impact campaign
@Plasticsimpact · X

RT @GeorgeMonks11: (2) The health implications of microplastics is not yet known. I feel like this should be a much bigger story. Study her…

Nov 30, 2022 · 2 shares · 10,642 followers View post →
Monte Cristo
@cristo_monte · X

RT @GeorgeMonks11: (2) The health implications of microplastics is not yet known. I feel like this should be a much bigger story. Study her…

Nov 27, 2022 · 2 shares · 970 followers View post →
George Monks, M.D.
@GeorgeMonks11 · X

(2) The health implications of microplastics is not yet known. I feel like this should be a much bigger story. Study here

Nov 25, 2022 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 7,119 followers View post →
WENDY2001
@WENDY200111 · X

RT @xr_cambridge: A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver…

Nov 19, 2022 · 15 shares · 1,144 followers View post →
Carlos EstellitaLins
@cefestellita1 · X

RT @xr_cambridge: A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver…

Nov 18, 2022 · 15 shares · 570 followers View post →
we
@peachboyy333 · X

RT @xr_cambridge: A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver…

Nov 18, 2022 · 15 shares · 69 followers View post →
future tense☮️
@verticalrepeat · X

RT @xr_cambridge: A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver…

Nov 18, 2022 · 15 shares · 3,532 followers View post →
agria
@airgagria · X

RT @xr_cambridge: A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver…

Nov 18, 2022 · 15 shares · 1,083 followers View post →
Kindness is not malleability.
@TeamCramanda · X

RT @xr_cambridge: A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver…

Nov 18, 2022 · 15 shares · 114 followers View post →
GordoAcrata
@GordoAcrata · X

RT @xr_cambridge: A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver…

Nov 18, 2022 · 15 shares · 675 followers View post →
Cerebro Medicare4All
@lmntly · X

RT @xr_cambridge: A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver…

Nov 18, 2022 · 15 shares · 74 followers View post →
Anjuna & Rezz Lover369
@AnjunaNRezzLvr · X

RT @xr_cambridge: A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver…

Nov 18, 2022 · 15 shares · 186 followers View post →
pupp3tStudios
@pupp3tStudios · X

RT @xr_cambridge: A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver…

Nov 18, 2022 · 15 shares · 1,018 followers View post →
Gideon the Half-Knowing
@GideonOfnir1 · X

RT @xr_cambridge: A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver…

Nov 18, 2022 · 15 shares · 233 followers View post →
Extinction Rebellion Bury St Edmunds
@XR_BSE · X

RT @xr_cambridge: A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver…

Nov 18, 2022 · 15 shares · 4,258 followers View post →
Hanneke v.d Lucht
@BoxEmpress · X

RT @xr_cambridge: A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver…

Nov 18, 2022 · 15 shares · 531 followers View post →
Dr. Larry B Keating
@DrLarryBKeating · X

RT @xr_cambridge: A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver…

Nov 18, 2022 · 15 shares · 819 followers View post →
XR Cambridge
@xr_cambridge · X

A couple of people have asked for sources which is fair enough Microplastics carry viruses: https://t.co/Bp9UBnOwr2 Liver, spleen etc: https://t.co/cyiopzaV0K Placenta: https://t.co/cyiopzaV0K Brain: https://t.co/p4vhVn5qT9

Nov 18, 2022 · 44 likes · 15 shares · 30,953 followers View post →
Pharmaceutics MDPI
@MDPIpharma · X

#HighlyCitedPaper Read the latest research by "Detection of Microplastic in Human Placenta and Meconium in a Clinical Setting" You can find it at: https://t.co/d2AKaJsyqW https://t.co/zc7ntBWu3i

Oct 21, 2022 · 3,731 followers View post →
Pharmaceutics MDPI
@MDPIpharma · X

#HighlyCitedPaper Read the latest research "#Detection of #Microplastic in Human Placenta and Meconium in a Clinical Setting" You can find it at: https://t.co/d2AKaJbvoW https://t.co/Sl4WouA9Su

Jun 23, 2022 · 3,731 followers View post →
jardin bio de ben
@ybenbio · X

RT @monicazlam: 3/ And enough about how sea animals are drowning in plastic waste. This is a human problem now: #microplastics have been fo…

Apr 18, 2022 · 2 shares · 1,195 followers View post →
Plastics impact campaign
@Plasticsimpact · X

RT @monicazlam: 3/ And enough about how sea animals are drowning in plastic waste. This is a human problem now: #microplastics have been fo…

Apr 18, 2022 · 2 shares · 10,642 followers View post →
Monica Lam
@monicazlam · X

3/ And enough about how sea animals are drowning in plastic waste. This is a human problem now: #microplastics have been found in the placentas of pregnant women - on both the fetal and maternal side. One study: https://t.co/rUcW4mSG6c @SenBooker @SenJeffMerkley @Plasticsimpact

Apr 18, 2022 · 7 likes · 2 shares · 1,329 followers View post →
Dr. Melanie Bergmann
@MelanieBergma18 · X

@Sedat_Gundogdu1 @LitRivus @CuspResearch @AuroraProjectEU @imptox @plasticheal @plasticsfate @PolyriskScience #Microplastic > 50 µm n Human Placenta: https://t.co/COz1NgY3PJ

Feb 4, 2022 · 6,430 followers View post →
zuzkam3
@zuzkam3_ · X

“Are you planning on having kids?” Me: https://t.co/p0ZJkJBLlR

Aug 3, 2021 · 1 like · 8 followers View post →
Ieva
@irucevska · X

RT @MelanieBergma18: Interesting if disturbing study

Jun 29, 2021 · 2 shares · 62 followers View post →
Peter T. Harris
@PeterHarrisGRID · X

RT @MelanieBergma18: Interesting if disturbing study

Jun 29, 2021 · 2 shares · 666 followers View post →
Dr. Melanie Bergmann
@MelanieBergma18 · X

Interesting if disturbing study

Jun 29, 2021 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 6,430 followers View post →