Study finds microplastics in human semen

Scientists are discovering microplastics everywhere in the human body, with recent research from China revealing their presence in sperm samples. The findings follow earlier US researchers’ confirmations of microplastics in human testicular tissue.

The study, published in the Science of the Total Environment journal, examined the semen of 36 male participants and found microplastics in all the samples. The most common plastics were polystyrene (PS).

Researchers have previously found these tiny pollutants in human blood, placentas, breast milk and testicles, indicating widespread contamination.

Earlier, a study in Italy found microplastics in 6 out of 10 semen samples. Another research in China found them in almost half of 25 samples.

These microplastics likely enter the body through ingestion or inhalation and can cross into the reproductive system.

These microplastics likely enter the body through ingestion or inhalation and can cross into the reproductive system.

Concerns
Microplastics in human semen raise concerns about potential reproductive implications. Sperm counts have been declining for decades, with the reason for 40% of low counts remaining unexplained. Microplastics may be one of the major causes too.

Studies on mice and other animals being exposed to microplastics show it can reduce sperm count and cause abnormalities.

Furthermore
This year, Columbia and Rutgers University researchers found plastic bottles to contain nanoplastics. These are smaller than microplastics and can easily traverse through the human body.

Countries are taking notice. The European Commission adopted measures to restrict the intentional infusion of microplastics into products, aiming to prevent half a million tonnes from polluting the environment.