New microplastic discovery raises fertility problems

It’s time to talk about birds, bees and PTFE.

They are already in our lungs, liver, kidneys, blood, and even our brains.

Our baby makers are also microplastic, according to new research published Tuesday in the journal Human Reproduction.

In a disturbing discovery, scientists have discovered these tiny particles lurking in the semen and ovaries, which has attracted attention to their impact on fertility and reproductive health.

The researchers analyzed follicles and semen fluids in 29 women and 22 men and found microplastics in 55% of male samples and 69% of women.

“Previous research has shown that microplastics can be found in various human organs,” lead researcher Dr. Emilio Gomez-Sanchez said in a statement.

“As a result, we are not surprised to find microplastics in fluids in human reproductive systems, but we are shocked by their universality.”

The worst offender in semen is PTFES (the chemical name of Teflon), which are identified in 41% of the samples.

Lag behind polystyrene, like styrofoamed polystyrene (14%); polyterephthalate in the polyester family (9%); polyamide or nylon (5%) and polyurethane in coatings and foams (5%).

The effects of these microplastics (defined as 5 mm plastic particles) on reproductive health are not clear, but there is no benefit.

“What we know from animal studies is that in tissues where microplastics accumulate, they can induce inflammation, free radical formation, DNA damage, cellular senescence and endocrine disturbances,” said Gomez-Sanchez.

“They may damage the quality of eggs or sperm in humans, but we don’t have enough Evidence that confirms this. ”

These findings are worrying when he warned against a full-scale panic, especially as the United States struggled to cope with the fertility crisis.

“There is no alarm at this point. Microplastics are just one of many elements that may play a role in fertility,” said Gomez-Sanchez.

“But it’s wise to consider ways to reduce our exposure to them. Simple steps, such as using glass containers to store and heat food or limiting the amount of water we consume from plastic bottles, can help minimize intake.”

A separate team in Italy recently discovered microplastics in follicle fluid, with 14 of the 14 women they studied.

Lead author Luigi Montano said the findings were “very shocking”, noting that his previous research showed that microplastics reduced sperm count and quality.

These tiny particles also appear to be present in the uterus and placenta as well as in human testicles, and their content is alarming.

There are two main ways in which the human body is contaminated by microplastics: by breathing in the air or eating them in food.

Unfortunately, they are everywhere, with an estimated 10 million to 40 million tons per year relaxing into the environment.

Researchers found that people consume about 5 grams per week, or enough to fill a tablespoon.

About 250 grams of a year – described as “the value of a bulk dish”.