Microplastics found in human, canine testicles: Why we should worry
A recent study has revealed the presence of microplastics, known carcinogens, in every testicle sample taken from humans and dogs. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of New Mexico, involved testing samples from 23 humans and 47 dogs. "At the beginning, I doubted whether microplastics could penetrate the reproductive system," said paper coauthor Xiaozhong Yu. "When I first received the results for dogs I was surprised. I was even more surprised when I received the results for humans."
High concentration of microplastics in testicle tissue
The study found an average of 330 micrograms of microplastics/gram of tissue in human samples and 123 micrograms in dog samples. The researchers were particularly concerned about the high concentration of polyethylene as well as PVC found in the human samples, which were obtained from postmortem subjects aged between 16-88. Polyethylene is commonly used in plastic bottles and bags, while PVC is widely used for several industrial and household products.
Potential health risks of microplastic exposure
While the full implications are not yet understood, certain recent mice studies have suggested a link between lowered sperm counts and exposure to microplastics. The chemicals released by these pollutants may also be connected with some hormonal abnormalities and disruptions. "PVC can release a lot of chemicals that interfere with spermatogenesis," Yu explained, "and it contains chemicals that cause endocrine disruption." This raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with microplastic exposure.
Microplastics: A threat to health and environment
Microplastics are found everywhere, from the peak of Mount Everest to the depths of the ocean. People inhale and ingest these particles daily, which may then get lodged in tissues, causing inflammation or harm due to the chemicals present in the plastics. "We don't want to scare people. We want to scientifically provide the data and make people aware there are a lot of microplastics," Yu stated, emphasizing the need for awareness about this pervasive environmental issue.
