A comprehensive approach for detecting and locating black carbon in human placentae

Molecular passage across the placenta generally serves developmental purposes, but some also can induce harm. Particulate matter (PM) affects the pregnancy through the maternal circulation to the placenta. Black Carbon (BC) particles, produced by high temperature fuel combustion, contribute to global air pollution and climate change. Its health impacts likely extend beyond respiratory complications. Thus, studying BC translocation into human tissues provides insights into the mechanisms of observed adverse outcomes. The placenta is a useful organ since it provides further understanding of placental transport mechanisms, impacts on the tissue and embryo/fetus, and for developing prevention strategies. Having well-measured tissue dose metrics would also provide an epidemiological tool to related exposures to a variety of health outcomes in the woman, fetus, and resulting child. Thus, quantitatively establishing their presence in the placenta and blood provides an important exploratory tool. Such submicron particles challenge traditional microscopy limits, requiring effective measurement systems and rigorous assessment strategies. A microscopic methodology for quantifying BC particles in human placental histology slides utilizing multiphoton microscopy has been previously reported. However, there are substantial issues with the prior method and thus, this work has developed a more rigorous approach to demonstrate transplacental movement of BC particles.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11869-026-01899-5.