Rome: Experts have advised people to drink water in glass or metal containers to avoid fine plastic particles entering the body and potentially harming health.
Dr Luisa Campagnolo from the University of Tor Vergetta in Rome has warned of increasing evidence of micro and nano plastic particles entering human tissues.
Previous studies have shown that these fine particles can enter the placenta (a part of the uterus: the placenta) along with human blood. But in this study on mice, it was found that the plastic from the throat can also find its way to other parts of the uterus.
Dr Luisa Campagnolo (who was not part of the study) said there were indications that the uterus was a target for plastic particles.
Previous studies have shown that plastic particles that enter human tissue affect the production of certain hormones and can potentially harm biological processes. While these particles have also been found in pregnant female anoles.
In the study, researchers fed five pregnant mice with fine plastic particles. Later, when their anoles were examined, they contained large amounts of plastic.
He added that since research on the effects of plastic particles on human health is still very limited, it is important not to go into its possible dangers at this time.
The research was presented at the annual conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.