Microplastics and Human Health
Microplastics found in human blood, placentas, testicles and breast milk, and now in semen
Adapted from an article in The Guardian
Microplastic pollution has been identified in all human semen samples tested in a recent research study in China, highlighting the necessity for further research into its potential impact on human reproduction. Worldwide, sperm counts in men have been decreasing for decades, with 40% of these declines remaining unexplained, though chemical pollution has been suggested as a contributing factor by numerous studies.
The study involved 40 semen samples from healthy men in Jinan, China. Another study in Italy found microplastics in the semen of six out of ten healthy young men. Additionally, studies on mice have shown that microplastics can reduce sperm counts and cause abnormalities and hormone disruption.
The study in China identified eight different types of plastics in the semen samples, with polystyrene (used for packaging) being the most common, followed by polyethylene (used in plastic bags) and PVC. These particles might be causing tissue inflammation, similar to the effects of air pollution particles, or the chemicals in the plastics could be causing harm though more research is required to explore this possibility.
Plastics found in other body parts
The field of research on microplastics and human health is rapidly advancing, with scientists consistently finding these contaminants in various parts of the body. For example, a study published in May discovered microplastics in all 23 human testicle samples tested. Moreover, microplastics have recently been detected in human blood, placentas, and breast milk, indicating extensive contamination of human bodies. While the precise impact on health is not yet known, microplastics have been demonstrated to cause damage to human cells in laboratory settings.
In March, doctors in Italy warned of potentially life-threatening effects after discovering a significantly increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and early death in individuals with blood vessels contaminated by microscopic plastics. Luigi Montano, of the University of Rome, who led the Italian study, called for a halt in the exponential increase in plastic waste. Montano emphasized the need for action to prevent additional permanent damage to the planet and human health. He noted that if microplastic pollution affects the critical reproductive process, as evidenced by the global decline in semen quality, it could have dire consequences for our species.
The plastic waste problem
Millions of tonnes of plastic waste are discarded into the environment annually, breaking down into microplastics that can be found in every corner of the Earth, and now in the human body. Humans consume these tiny particles through food and water and the air we breathe.
The pervasive presence of microplastics in human bodies and their potential to harm reproductive health underscore the importance of further investigation. Understanding the full extent of microplastic contamination and its health implications is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate this pollution and protect human health.
All eyes on the UN Treaty to end Plastic Pollution
Our best hope for ending the plastic pollution crisis is the United Nations Treaty to end Plastic Pollution which is scheduled to be ratified in 2025. The Treaty will be a legally binding agreement offering alternatives to address the full lifecycle of plastics, the design of reusable and recyclable products and materials, and the need for international collaboration to share technology, capacity building and scientific and technical cooperation.
