In Alarming Study, Microplastics Found In Human Testicles

The use of plastic is rampant all over the world despite its anti-environmental nature. Plastic, widely used due to its cheap price, is a non-biodegradable material and poses a threat to the environment. Plastic waste is not just confined to areas densely populated by humans but has also been found in isolated locations like the Himalayas and Antarctica. The fine particles in such widely used plastic products, such as microplastic, have polluted land, air and water.

While animals, birds, and fish have already been found to be affected by this microplastic, the discovery of this microplastic in human blood and even in breast milk has shocked the scientific community. Researchers at the University of New Mexico, a team led by Xiang Joan Zhanyu, a professor at the UNM College of Nursing, researched the effects of microplastics on the body. In this study, 12 types of microplastics were found in 47 dogs and 23 human testicles. A study conducted last year revealed that microplastics are present in the faeces of both children and adults.

The research findings that discovered microplastics in the human scrotum have sent shockwaves globally. Additionally, scientists are concerned that microplastics can damage human cells, potentially increasing the risk of infertility. In this context, Dr Arunachalam, a cardiologist, commented on the other effects of microplastics on humans, “Researchers have reported shocking information that small elastic particles called microplastics have been found in the heart tissue of many patients who have undergone heart surgery. These elastic particles, which are smaller than 5 mm in size, are present in the air and enter through body openings including mouth, nose, and ears and accumulate in many body parts including the heart and not only the blood”, he said.

These microplastics in the air can cause lung damage when inhaled by humans. Also, because we drink mineral water from plastic bottles and eat food from plastic containers, they enter the body and cause systolic BP. Also, it slows down the heart muscle activity. Studies have also found that women are more likely to have irregular heartbeats, as per the doctor.

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