The presence of microplastics in our environment has raised significant concerns about their potential health effects. Recent studies have revealed a startling discovery – microplastics have been found in human testicles. This finding sheds light on a possible link between plastic pollution and reproductive health issues, highlighting the urgent need for environmental action and awareness.
According to IFL Science, researchers at the University of New Mexico took samples from the testicles of 47 dogs and 23 humans during autopsies. Unfortunately, every sample taken for testing revealed the presence of microplastics.
While dogs showed an average of 122.63 micrograms of microplastic per testicular tissue, humans reached up to 328.44 micrograms. The study also investigated whether microplastics affect sperm count.
It was revealed that high levels of 'PVC,' the world's third most commonly produced synthetic plastic polymer, in tissue lead to lower sperm counts.
They result from the breakdown of larger plastics or products containing microcrystals like cosmetics. Microplastics, now found in oceans, soil, and even in the air, are also present in the human body. Consequently, there is a global decline in sperm count.
'We want to present our data scientifically and raise awareness among people,' said Xiaozhong John Yu, a professor at the University of New Mexico's School of Nursing, emphasizing the importance of developing environmental awareness among individuals.