Just after I posted #24 on plastics crossing the blood brain barrier in animals, I came across this just published report.
“Detection and characterization of microplastics in the human testis and semen”
Highlights
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MPs were detected in human testis and semen.
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The abundance of MPs in the testis was significantly higher than that in semen.
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PS and PE, PVC were the predominant polymers in testis and semen, respectively.
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MPs 20–100 μm in size were predominant in testis, while those in semen were bigger.
Abstract
The health risk of microplastics (MPs) is a growing global concern. Evidence of reproductive health damage caused by the accumulation of MPs in males is still lacking. In the present study, 6 testis and 30 semen samples were collected, and MPs were detected using both pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and laser direct infrared spectroscopy (LD-IR). The results showed that MPs were detected in both testis and semen, with an average abundance of 0.23 ± 0.45 particles/mL in semen and 11.60 ± 15.52 particles/g in testis. Microplastics in the testis were composed of polystyrene (PS) with 67.7 %, while polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were the predominant polymers in semen. Compared to fragments, fiber, and film detected in semen, the fragment was the main shape the in testis. The sizes of these microplastics ranged from 21.76 μm to 286.71 μm, and most (67 % and 80.6 %) were 20–100 μm in semen and testis. In summary, this study revealed for the first time that MPs pollute the human male reproductive system and that various MP characteristics appear in different regions, which provides critical information and basic data for the risk assessment of MPs to human health.
Rowen note: Please be aware that this is not simply an issue of plastics in testis or semen. If plastics are found in semen, that means the toxicants first get to the testis, prostate or seminal vesicles where they accumulate and then cross into semen. It would logically follow, then, that plastics are EVERYWHERE in your body in today’s world, and crossing all barriers.
My child conceiving days are over. Sperm count and quality is not important to me in that sense, but my testicular function IS important, as ample testosterone is associated with better quality of life. And, if plastic is accumulating in my gonads, then it is accumulating everywhere. And, if my semen quality degrades, my whole body is likely degrading. And for women, one could ask if microplastics in semen could potentially damage the vagina or cervix?
Remember, I raised the issue that transgender is likely the canary in the coal mine. Rather than look at it for what it really is, hormone disruption, it is being looked at opportunistically as a divisive political issue. Again, Nero fiddled while Rome burned.
RJR
https://www.ehn.org/microplastics-fertility-2659894180.html
Thank you - very interesting!!