Research reveals microplastics present within human testicles.

Study Reveals Presence of Miniature Plastic Fragments in Human Testicles

“These tiny pieces of plastic are usually no bigger than half a micron in length and about 20 to 200 nanometers in width,” explained toxicologist Matthew Campen, one of the authors behind a study published in Toxicological Sciences on May 15.

“They look like tiny shards, fragments from old plastics that have broken off,” continued Campen, a regents' professor at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque's pharmaceutical sciences department.

These minuscule particles can enter and disrupt cells and tissues in significant organs, potentially depositing endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and heavy metals.

Endocrine disruptors can interfere with human reproductive systems, leading to genital and reproductive abnormalities, as well as female infertility and decreased sperm count, according to the Endocrine Society. Sperm counts in certain regions, including the United States, have fallen by at least 50% over the past 50 years, the society mentioned on its website.

“This is a crucial moment,” Campen emphasized. “We're only beginning to understand the quantity of plastic in our bodies. We desperately need more research to determine if microplastics could be causing infertility, testicular cancer, and other cancers.”

The study investigated 23 testes from cadavers ranging in age from 16 to 88 at their time of death, then compared the levels of 12 different sorts of plastics in those testicles with those found in 47 dog testes.

“Human testes had three times more microplastic shards and types of plastics than the dogs, which are known for eating directly from the floor,” Campen said.

The most frequently used plastic worldwide is polyethylene, followed by PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is another commonly used chemical that can contain chemical additives and heavy metals like phthalates, cadmium, and lead. These phthalates, also known as "everywhere chemicals" due to their widespread usage, are added to consumer goods to make the plastic more flexible and resistant to breaking.

Researchers hoped to find that older men would have more plastic shards in their testicles, but that was not the case, Campen noted.

“In the prime reproductive years for men between the ages of 20 and 45, there were higher levels of plastics, which then declined after the age of 55,” he said.

However, there's a downside to this: the increased energy demand of a younger testicle may also draw more plastic into that region. Furthermore, the amount of plastics we're exposed to is increasing at a rate of every 10 to 15 years, and this trend is expected to continue.

“This is why immediate action is crucial,” Campen stressed.

The American Chemistry Council, an industry group, previously told CNN that plastics are "helpful, protect us, enhance healthcare outcomes, and contribute to a more sustainable world."

“Plastic makers strive for all US plastic packaging to be recycled, reused, or recovered by 2040,” said Dr. Kimberly Wise White, the council's vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs.

Campen's team also compared the testes results with research on 62 human placentas, the organ responsible for providing oxygen and nutrients to a growing fetus in the womb. They found microplastics at concentrations of 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram in all the placenta samples.

“There were three times more plastics in testes than in placentas,” Campen stated. “However, you should note that the placenta only lasts for around eight months.”

This isn't the first time microplastics have been found in reproductive tissue. A study by a Beijing-based team from June 2023 discovered microplastics in six human testes and 30 semen samples. Animal research has also demonstrated that these particles can affect sperm count and induce hormonal and other disruptions in male sexual organs.

In studies on pregnant mice, researchers found plastic chemicals in the brain, heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs of developing fetuses just 24 hours after the mother ingested or inhaled plastic particles. Other research has shown that micro- and nanoplastics may cause oxidative stress, tissue damage, and inflammation in cells; meanwhile, animal experiments have shown these particles may alter heart rate and impair cardiac function.

“There are steps you can take to lessen your exposure to phthalates and other chemicals in food and food packaging,” the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends in its policy statement on food additives and children's health.

"When trying to minimize our plastic use, consider opting for stainless steel and glass containers whenever possible, according to Dr. Leonardo Trasande, director of environmental pediatrics at NYU Langone Health, as he mentioned in a past conversation with CNN," said a previous publication.

"Avoid using plastics to heat food or drinks, including infant formula and expressed human milk, and steer clear of putting plastic in the dishwasher. The heat can cause harmful chemicals to release," advised Trasande, who is also the author of the American Academy of Pediatrics' policy statement on food additives and children's health.

"To determine the type of plastic, examine the recycling symbol at the bottom of products. Try to steer clear of those with code 3, which generally include phthalates," Trasande suggested further.

The Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental activist group, also recommends cutting back on disposable plastics. Some other suggestions are carrying reusable grocery bags, using a zippered fabric bag for dry cleaning pick-ups instead of thin plastic sheets, bringing a travel mug to your local coffee shop for takeout orders, and using silverware at the office to reduce the need for plastic cups and utensils.

Microplastics can range from less than 0.2 inch (5 millimeters) down to 1/25,000th of an inch (1 micrometer), anything smaller is a nanoplastic that must be measured in billionths of a meter.

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The presence of microplastics in human testicles raises concerns about their potential impact on wellness, as these particles can carry endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can interfere with human reproductive systems. This study found that human testes had three times more microplastic shards and types of plastics than dog testes, highlighting the need for further research into the effects of microplastics on human health.

Given the widespread usage of plastics like polyethylene and PVC, which can contain harmful chemicals, implementing measures to reduce plastic use and exposure to these chemicals is essential for promoting wellness. Steps such as using stainless steel and glass containers, avoiding heated plastics, and examining the recycling symbols to avoid those with code 3 can help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

Source: edition.cnn.com