Human testicles may contain high concentrations of microplastics and nanoplastics, substances that can interfere with the reproductive system, a new study suggests.
This groundbreaking research raises serious concerns about the pervasive presence of these tiny plastic particles in our environment and their potential impact on human health.
In the study, scientists analyzed the levels of 12 different types of plastic in 23 tests taken from male cadavers, whose ages ranged from 16 6o 88 years old at the time of death. Additionally, the researchers examined the same types of plastics in 47 tests from neutered dogs. The findings were published in the journal Toxicological Sciences.
The results revealed that the average concentration of microplastics in testicular tissue from the dogs was 122.63 micrograms per gram of tissue. In contrast, human testicular tissue contained a significantly higher concentration, averaging 329.44 micrograms per gram of tissue. This substantial difference highlights the alarming accumulation of microplastics in human reproductive organs.
Among the various types of plastics analyzed, scientists found that polyethylene was the most common plastic present in both human and canine testicular tissue. Polyethylene is widely used in the manufacturing of plastic bags and bottles, making it one of the most prevalent plastics in everyday life.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics Are Sadly Unavoidable
“Microplastics and nanoplastics are everywhere,” says Matthew Campen, PhD, a a coauthor of the study and a professor and director of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque who studies environmental toxins.
Dr. Campen adds, “We do not have solid data linking the plastics to health outcomes yet. But the declining global sperm count nicely parallels the emergence of microplastics across the globe.”
Microplastics and nanoplastics are exceedingly small and virtually undetectable in daily life. Microplastics are defined as particles less than 5 micrometers in size, which is thousands of times smaller than a grain of rice.
Nanoplastics are even tinier, measuring below 1 micrometer. These minuscule plastics can be found in an array of products, from food and drink containers to clothing and furniture. They permeate the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. Once inside our bodies, they can invade cells in tissues and organs, remaining there indefinitely.
The Impact of Microplastics on Reproductive Health
The potential impact of microplastics on reproductive health is a growing concern. Microplastics are known as endocrine disruptors because they can interfere with the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in the body.
According to the Endocrine Society, these disruptors can cause structural problems with the genitals, infertility, and reduced sperm counts. Over the last 50 years, as microplastics have become more prevalent, sperm counts in the United States and many other parts of the world have declined by at least 50 percent.
“Microplastics have been measured in every human tissue, including human breast milk, blood, placenta, and stool, and now testes,” says Tracey Woodruff, PhD, MPH, a professor and the director of the program on reproductive health and the environment at the University of California in San Francisco.
“So it is not surprising that they were found there, but it certainly is concerning,” Dr. Woodruff, who was not involved in the study, pointed out that polyethylene’s prevalence in testicular tissue is expected due to its widespread production.
Avoiding exposure to microplastics entirely is nearly impossible, according to Dr. Woodruff. “The best protection is systemic changes from public policies that reduce the production and use of plastics. We have plenty of plastics in our lives,” Woodruff says. “Unfortunately, the plastic production is expected to triple by 2060.”
This projection underscores the urgency of addressing plastic pollution through comprehensive policy measures aimed at curbing plastic production and consumption.
The findings of this study are a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of microplastics and their potential impact on human health. As research continues to uncover the extent of microplastic contamination in our bodies, it becomes increasingly clear that urgent action is needed to mitigate this environmental threat.
Systemic changes in public policy and industry practices are essential to reduce the production and use of plastics, thereby protecting human health and the environment.
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