Exposure to micro- and nanoplastics and human reproductive outcomes: a
systematic review
Abstract
Background: Micro- and nanoplastics are novel pollutants which
have been detected in human tissues including placenta and fetal
meconium. However, their association with adverse fertility or pregnancy
outcomes in humans is not known. Objectives: To synthesise
evidence for the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in human
reproductive tissue and their associations with environmental exposures
and reproductive outcomes. Search Strategy: Medline, Embase,
Emcare, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov and ICTRP were searched from
inception to 03/02/2023. Selection Criteria: Studies of human
participants, assessing presence of micro- and nanoplastics in
reproductive tissues, environmental exposures to micro- and
nanoplastics, and fertility or pregnancy-related outcomes. Data
Collection and Analysis: Two independent reviewers selected studies and
extracted data on study characteristics, microplastics detected,
environmental exposures, reproductive outcomes, and risk of bias.
Narrative synthesis was performed due to methodological heterogeneity.
Main Results: Of 1094 citations, seven studies were included,
covering 96 participants. Microplastics were detected in 68 out of 96
placentas examined across all studies, and in all 14 meconium samples.
Two studies reported associations between lifestyle factors (daily water
intake, use of scrub cleanser or toothpaste, bottled water and takeaway
food) and placental microplastics. One study reported associations
between meconium microplastics and microbiota diversity and composition.
One reported placental microplastics levels correlated with reduced
birth weights and 1-minute Apgar scores. All studies had a very high
risk of bias. Conclusions: There is a need for high-quality
observational studies to assess the effects of microplastics on human
reproductive health. Funding: None received Keywords:
microplastics, nanoplastics, pregnancy, fertility, environmental
pollution