A new study has discovered microplastics in every semen sample tested, raising concerns about potential reproductive harm.
Damian Carrington reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Researchers found microplastics in all semen samples from 40 healthy men in Jinan, China.
- Previous studies detected similar contamination in the semen of men in Italy and in human testicle samples.
- Microplastics have also been found in human blood, placentas, and breast milk, highlighting widespread contamination.
Key quote:
“As emerging research increasingly implicates microplastic exposure as a potential factor impacting human health, understanding the extent of human contamination and its relation to reproductive outcomes is imperative.”
— Ning Li, Qingdao University
Why this matters:
The health implications of microplastics are not fully understood, but previous studies have linked them to inflammation, disruption of endocrine functions, and potential harm to cellular structures. In the context of reproduction, these particles could interfere with sperm function and viability, potentially contributing to declining fertility rates observed globally.
