Study Reveals Presence of Microplastics in Human Testicles

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A recent small study discovered that human testicles have levels of microplastics**** and nanoplastics**** three times higher than animal testes and human placentas.

Toxicologist Matthew Campen, coauthor of a study published in the journal Toxicological Sciences on May 15, explained that these plastics are usually nano-scale, with a length of less than half a micron and a width ranging from 20 to 200 nanometers.

18 July 2023, Spain, Palma de Mallorca: Etienne from Biberach drinks water in hot temperatures on the beach of Arenal. For the north and east of the Spanish Mediterranean island of Mallorca, the national weather service Aemet announced maximum temperatures of at least 43 degrees. The peak of the third heat wave of the summer in Spain makes locals and tourists in the popular vacation destination sweat. Photo: Clara Margais/dpa (Photo by Clara Margais/picture alliance via Getty Images)

On 18 July 2023, Etienne from Biberach was spotted in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, staying hydrated by drinking water while enjoying the hot temperatures at Arenal beach. The national weather service Aemet reported that the north and east of Mallorca experienced scorching temperatures reaching up to 43 degrees. This heat wave, the third of the summer in Spain, had both locals and tourists feeling the heat in this popular vacation destination. A photo captured by Clara Margais from dpa showed the impact of the high temperatures on people in Palma de Mallorca.

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"They resemble small fragments, tiny pieces from extremely old plastics," explained Campen, a regents’ professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

Experts warn that these tiny particles can infiltrate individual cells and tissues in vital organs, disrupting cellular functions and possibly releasing harmful chemicals like bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and heavy metals.

Endocrine disruptors, as identified by the Endocrine Society, can disrupt the human reproductive system. This interference may result in genital and reproductive malformations, female infertility, and a decrease in sperm count.

The Endocrine Society reported that sperm counts have decreased by at least 50% in certain regions over the last 50 years, including in the United States.

Campen emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "This is an eyes wide open situation right now." He highlighted the need for more research on the presence of plastic in our bodies and its potential impact on health issues like infertility and cancer.

He stressed the importance of taking action immediately, stating, "Action is desperately needed now." It is crucial to investigate the role of microplastics**** in driving these health concerns and to address the issue promptly.

The levels of microplastic shards and types of plastics in human testes were found to be three times greater than those in dog testes. This was discovered by testing 23 preserved testes from individuals aged 16 to 88 at the time of their death, and comparing them with plastics found in 47 dog testes.

According to Campen, one of the researchers involved in the study, this stark difference is notable considering that dogs are known to ingest various things from the floor. This finding sheds light on the concerning amount of plastics that are entering our bodies unknowingly.

Polyethylene is a commonly used plastic worldwide, followed by PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which can contain chemical additives like phthalates, cadmium, and lead. Phthalates, known as "everywhere chemicals," are added to products to make plastic more flexible and durable.

Female hand taking bottle of mineral water from supermarket shelf

Female hand taking bottle of mineral water from supermarket shelf

mediaphotos/iStockphoto/Getty Images

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Researchers initially thought they would discover more plastic fragments in the testicles of older men in the study, but that was not the case, according to Campen.

"It appears that during the prime reproductive years of men, which is between 20 and 45, there are higher concentrations of plastics, which then decrease after the age of 55," he explained. "This indicates that the human body is capable of getting rid of these plastics."

However, there is a downside to this. The study also indicates that the higher energy requirements of a younger testicle could result in more plastic being drawn into that organ, according to Campen.

He further explained, "On top of that, the quantity of plastics we come into contact with is increasing at a rate of every 10 to 15 years. So, what will happen in 15 years when we are exposed to double the amount, or in 30 years when we are exposed to four times the amount? This is why it is crucial to take action now."

Microplastics come in various sizes, ranging from less than 0.2 inch (5 millimeters) down to 1/25,000th of an inch (1 micrometer). Anything smaller than that is considered a nanoplastic, which must be measured in billionths of a meter.

Microplastics can range from less than 0.2 inch (5 millimeters) down to 1/25,000th of an inch (1 micrometer), anything smaller is a nanoplastic that must be measured in billionths of a meter.

The American Chemistry Council, which is an industry association, explained to CNN in a previous interview that plastics play a crucial role in protecting us, enhancing healthcare results, and promoting a more sustainable world.

Dr. Kimberly Wise White, the council's vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs, mentioned that plastic makers aim for all US plastic packaging to be reused, recycled, or recovered by 2040. It is a significant goal for the industry. Interestingly, there are more plastics produced than placentas in the world.

Researchers also looked at the levels of microplastics**** in 62 human placentas in a previous study. The placenta is the organ that nourishes a developing fetus in the womb.

In a study conducted in February by Campen and his team, it was found that microplastic levels in the placenta samples ranged from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of tissue.

PHD student Max Kelly, 24, and marine microbiologist Professor J Grant Burgess, both from Newcastle University, are conducting research at the Benton Proctor and Gamble site in Newcastle. They are studying the release of microfibres from clothing using various washing cycles.

PHD student Max Kelly, 24 and marine microbiologist Professor J Grant Burgess both from Newcastle University check clothing in a washing machine at the Benton Proctor and Gamble site in Newcastle, during research into the release of microfibres using different washing cycles. (Photo by Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images)

Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images

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Campen mentioned that the levels of plastic in testes were three times higher compared to what was found in placentas. It is important to note that the placenta has a shorter lifespan of about eight months.

This recent study is not the first to discover plastics in reproductive tissue. A team of researchers from Beijing found microplastics**** in six human testes and 30 semen samples in a study conducted in June 2023. Additionally, studies on animals have shown that small plastics can affect sperm count and lead to disruptions in hormone levels and other functions in male reproductive organs.

Researchers have discovered plastic chemicals in various organs of developing fetuses in pregnant mice just 24 hours after exposure to plastic particles through ingestion or inhalation. This exposure has been linked to oxidative stress, tissue damage, and inflammation at the cellular level. Additionally, studies on animals have indicated that these particles can affect heart rate and cardiac function.

Limiting the amount of plastic in your life is essential for your overall health and well-being. There are several simple steps you can take to reduce your plastic consumption and minimize your exposure to harmful plastic chemicals.

There are ways to lower exposure to phthalates and other chemicals in food and food packaging products, as advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ policy statement on food additives and children’s health.

Dr. Leonardo Trasande, director of environmental pediatrics at NYU Langone Health, suggests reducing our plastic footprint by opting for stainless steel and glass containers whenever we can.

Lisovskaya/iStockphoto/Getty Images

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Avoid microwaving food or beverages in plastic, including infant formula and pumped human milk. Additionally, do not put plastic in the dishwasher as the heat can cause chemicals to leach out. This advice comes from Trasande, the lead author for the American Academy of Pediatrics’ policy statement on food additives and children’s health.

To identify the plastic type of products, simply look at the recycling code on the bottom. It is recommended to avoid plastics with recycling codes 3, as they typically contain phthalates. This tip is shared by Trasande as well.

Reduce your use of disposable plastics, as advised by the Natural Resources Defense Council, a group focused on protecting the environment. Instead of using plastic bags at the grocery store, opt for reusable ones. Consider investing in a zippered fabric bag for your dry cleaning to avoid plastic covers. When getting takeout coffee, bring your own travel mug, and bring your own silverware to work to minimize the use of plastic cups and utensils.

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The discovery of microp