News Excerpt:
Microplastics have been found in human testicles, with researchers saying the discovery might be linked to declining sperm counts in men.
Key highlights of the study:
- The scientists tested 23 human testes, as well as 47 testes from pet dogs. They found microplastic pollution in every sample.
- The human testicles had a plastic concentration almost three times higher than that found in the dog testicles: 330 micrograms per gram of tissue compared with 123 micrograms.
- A new study by researchers at the University of New Mexico has found 12 types of microplastics human testes.
- The study's researcher expressed surprise at finding microplastics in the reproductive system.
- The testes analyzed were obtained from postmortems in 2016, with the men ranging in age from 16 to 88 when they died.
- The impact on the younger generation might be more concerning” now that there is more plastic than ever in the environment.
- Polyethylene, used in plastic bags and bottles, was the most common microplastic found, followed by PVC.
- PVC can release a lot of chemicals that interfere with spermatogenesis and it contains chemicals that cause endocrine disruption.
- Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size.
How microplastics enter the human body?
- Microplastics enter the human body through various pathways, primarily via ingestion and inhalation.
- Contaminated food and water are significant sources; microplastics are found in seafood, salt, bottled water, and even some fruits and vegetables due to polluted environments.
- Marine organisms, like fish and shellfish, can ingest microplastics, which then make their way up the food chain to humans.
- Inhalation is another pathway, with microplastics present in the air we breathe. These particles can originate from synthetic fabrics, tires, and other everyday products, becoming airborne through abrasion and wear.
- Indoor environments, particularly with poor ventilation and high use of plastic products, can have elevated levels of airborne microplastics.
- Once ingested or inhaled, microplastics can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract and lungs.
- While the full impact on human health is still being studied, concerns include potential toxic effects from the plastics and associated chemicals.
- In this study, the researchers found that polyethylene, which is commonly used in plastic bags and bottles, was the most common microplastic found, followed by PVC.
How are microplastics harmful to the human body?
- Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, can infiltrate the human body via
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- ingestion and inhalation.
- The particles could lodge in tissue and cause inflammation, as air pollution particles do, or chemicals in the plastics could cause harm.
- Doctors warned of potentially life-threatening effects after finding a substantially raised risk of stroke, heart attack and earlier death in people whose blood vessels were contaminated with microscopic plastics.
- They may also carry harmful chemicals, like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are linked to cancers, reproductive issues, and developmental problems.
- Furthermore, microplastics can disturb gut microbiota, impairing digestion and immunity.
- Long-term exposure raises concerns about chronic health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders, highlighting the urgent need for mitigating plastic pollution.
