placenta tagged posts

First Evidence that Air Pollution Particles and Metals are Reaching the Placenta

Black inclusions in placental cells resembling inhaled particulate matter

Pollution particles, including metals, have been found in the placentas of fifteen women in London, according to research led by Queen Mary University of London.

The study, funded by Barts Charity and published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, demonstrate that inhaled particulate matter from air pollution can move from the lungs to distant organs, and that it is taken up by certain cells in the human placenta, and potentially the fetus.

The researchers say that further research is needed to fully define the direct effect that pollution particles may have on the developing fetus.

Lead author Professor Jonathan Grigg from Queen Mary University of London said: “Our study for the first time shows that ...

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