A new study has found a “widespread” presence of microplastics in the testicles of humans and dogs.
The study, published last week in the journal Toxicological Sciences, found that microplastics were present in all 47 dog testicles and 23 human testicles examined.
The findings suggest a potential impact on male fertility.
Although microplastic debris has not yet been extensively studied, researchers have found it to be present in many parts of the body.
Dr. John Yoo, a toxicologist at the University of New Mexico College of Nursing, is the study’s lead author. He told NPR that quantifying microplastics is the “first step” to understanding the potential negative effects of their “ubiquitous” presence.
Researchers at Yu’s university in New Mexico collected testicles from autopsies of people aged between 16 and 88, as well as from about 50 neutered dogs.
Yu said dogs were chosen for the experiment because they are deeply embedded in the human environment and can serve as “watchdog” animals for disease and chemical exposure.
The researchers solved the biological problem and found that about 75% of what was left in the sample was plastic. Most of it is polyethylene, which is used in packaging, bags, and many other products.
At least in dogs, a correlation was found between reduced sperm counts and the presence of polyvinyl chloride in PVC piping.
Yu told NPR that the results are “worrisome,” but he hopes that more targeted research into the relationship between sperm and microplastics will become possible.
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