Microplastics were found in all testicles examined by researchers (23 human and 47 dog testicles), a finding that may be associated with the decrease in sperm count in men. The number of sperm in men has been decreasing for decades, with many studies linking the decrease to chemical pollution, such as pesticides.
The research, published in the journal Toxicological Sciences, revealed that dogs’ testicles containing higher levels of microplastics exhibited a decreased sperm count. This correlation, however, couldn’t be confirmed in humans because the samples were sourced from autopsies conducted in 2016 on men aged 16 to 88. The dog testicles were sourced from veterinary clinics that were performing sterilization procedures.
Laboratory tests have shown that microplastics, ingested through water, food, and breath, harm human cells.
Men had nearly three times the concentration of microplastics in their testicles (330 micrograms per gram of tissue) compared to dogs (123 micrograms per gram of tissue). Polyethylene, used in plastic bags and bottles, was the most common microplastic found, followed by PVC.
Recently, microplastics have been discovered in human blood, placenta, and breast milk, indicating widespread contamination of human bodies.
In March, doctors found a significantly increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and premature death in people whose blood vessels were contaminated with microplastics., however, according to the Guardian more research is needed to prove that microplastics cause a decrease in sperm count.
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