Microplastics detected in semen samples analyzed in a study

MEXICO CITY (apro).- According to various studies, microplastics have been found in human tissues and fluids, such as skin, urine, blood, feces and breast milk, now semen is included in that list.

Researchers published a recent study in the scientific journal “Science of the Total Environment,” in which they revealed that they had detected microplastics in all semen samples from 40 participants in Jinan, China.

The results showed contamination by microplastics in semen from people without occupational exposure, as well as the presence of two particles in each of the samples and eight different polymers were identified.

“As emerging research increasingly implicates exposure to microplastics as a potential factor affecting human health, it is imperative to understand the extent of human pollution and its relationship to reproductive outcomes,” said Ning Li of Qingdao University in China, and his colleagues, as reported by “The Guardian.”

According to the results, polystyrene was the most frequent particle, appearing 31%. Semen exposed to polystyrene demonstrated higher progressive sperm mortality compared to the polyvinyl chloride-exposed group.

“[Los estudios en ratones] “demonstrate a significant decrease in viable sperm count and an increase in sperm deformities, indicating that exposure to microplastics may represent a chronic and cumulative risk to male reproductive health,” the team of researchers noted.

Plastic production continues, so this material reaches the environment. Larger plastic particles break down into smaller fragments, called microplastics and nanoplastics. These particles are ingested by humans through food, water supplies, and even the air, as well as through other routes.

This study is only the most recent in a series of investigations in different parts of the world on this problem. Last year, another study conducted in the Campania region of Italy recorded microplastic contamination in the semen of six of 10 samples collected from young, healthy men.

Also in 2023, another study – also carried out in China – recorded microplastics in six testicles and 30 semen samples.

To date, the extent and implications of microplastic ingestion are not fully understood, which is an issue of public health concern and therefore scientists point out the importance of conducting these studies.