Micro (and Nano) Plastics and the 1000 Days: What Impact on Maternal and Child Health

Dear Colleagues,

Plastics are polymers (pure or mixed with additives or various fillers) of organic material with a high molecular weight that are invading the earth's surface and the oceans. The environmental impact of plastic waste in the marine habitat is the most worrying aspect. Accordingly, in recent years, plastic policies have been adopted worldwide.

Microplastics (>100 nm and <5 mm) and nanoplastics (<100 nm) are derived from the human manipulation and degradation of the plastic itself. Both are present in large quantities in marine and aquatic ecosystems and have been found in the gastrointestinal tract of fish, in marine animals, in seafood and sea salt, and in drinking water. From these sources, they may gain access into the human body, where they have been detected both at the site of entry (e.g. the gastro-intestinal tract) and in internal organs (e.g. lung, liver, and placenta). Recently, some researchers found high levels of microplastics released from infant-feeding bottles during formula preparation.

Once microplastics have been deposited in living organisms, they are recognized as a "foreign body", and as such, may trigger local immunoreactions or may physically interfere with biological functions. Furthermore, they may act as vectors for other chemicals or microorganisms, causing both local and systemic damage.

The first 1000 days of life—the time between conception and one’s second birthday—is a window of opportunity of health, growth, and neurodevelopment across the lifespan. At the same time, the organism may be particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of foreign substances. In utero exposure to toxicants may induce “fetal programming”, thus influencing post-natal health. The scope of this Special Issue is to make a point about the potential impact of micro-nanoplastics on human health in this period.

Prof. Maria Enrica Bettinelli
Dr. Luisa Campagnolo
Prof. Dr. Nicola Toschi
Dr. Luciana Dini
Prof. Antonio Pietroiusti
Prof. Daniela Mainenti
Guest Editors

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• Microplastics
• Nanoplastics
• Plastic human exposure
• Plastic toxicity
• One health
• Human health
• 1000 days
• Foetal programming
• Regulations