We are what we do, and we do what we have learned to do.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are a growing concern due to their widespread presence in the environment and potential health risks to humans. A growing body of evidence indicates that MNPs can be present in human placental tissue and are transmissible to the fetus. This raises the question of the potential consequences of in utero exposure, as this period is the most vulnerable to environmental stressors. My project will be among the first to provide preliminary evidence on the potential effects of MNPs during pregnancy and early life. To better understand health risks during this crucial period, I will investigate the biological and clinical effects of MNP exposure, focusing on disruptions to female reproductive health (including changes in placental and endocrine function) and child development (including biological aging and chronic health outcomes).
