Memorial University researchers are examining the impact of microplastics on pregnancy, and human health as a whole.
All plastics eventually break down into microplastics which are then consumed or breathed in by living creatures, including humans.
Recent studies show the average person ingests a credit card’s worth of plastic every month. Microplastics have been found in nearly every part of the human body including breast milk, the placenta, testicles, heart, liver and kidneys.
Assistant Professor in MUN’s Department of Chemistry, Lindsay Cahill, is part of a research team examining how microplastics find their way into our bodies and the impact on developing fetuses while in utero.
She said they’re starting their research project now with a number of people now participating.