Microplastics have been discovered in human testicles, a finding that could be linked to declining sperm counts in men worldwide.
Damian Carrington reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Scientists found microplastics in all tested human and dog testicles, linking higher contamination with lower sperm counts in dogs.
- The most common microplastics found were polyethylene and PVC, known for causing endocrine disruption.
- The study highlights widespread contamination in humans, with microplastics also found in blood, placentas, and breast milk.
Key quote:
"At the beginning, I doubted whether microplastics could penetrate the reproductive system. When I first received the results for dogs I was surprised. I was even more surprised when I received the results for humans."
— Prof Xiaozhong Yu, University of New Mexico
Why this matters:
This study reinforces the dangerous and pervasive nature of plastic pollution as well as its potential threat to human reproductive health. Read more: Are microplastics invading the male reproductive system?
