Popular Science: Every human testicle contained microplastics in a new study

[OKIsItJustMe]

https://www.popsci.com/science/microplastics-testicles/

Every human testicle contained microplastics in a new study
The toxic pollution really is that pervasive—and invasive.
BY ANDREW PAUL

POSTED ON MAY 20, 2024 3:44 PM EDT

Harmful microplastics aren’t only detectable in lungs, bloodstreams, and placenta—they can be found in human testicles, as well, according to a study published in the journal Toxicological Sciences.

After obtaining 23 postmortem human testes and 47 pet dog testes from veterinary neuterings, researchers used a process called pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), heating samples to the point of decomposition. What remained was then separated and examined for the presence of microplastics using highly sensitive equipment.

The results were extremely troubling. All of the surveyed testes—canine and human—contained measurable amounts of microplastic material. Although researchers noted “significant inter-individual variability” across their sources, the human testicles averaged almost three times higher plastic concentration levels than the dogs—330 micrograms-per-gram versus 123 micrograms-per-gram. They also identified 12 separate varieties of microplastics in the testicles, with polyethylene (used to make plastic bottles and bags) being the most common.

“At the beginning, I doubted whether microplastics could penetrate the reproductive system,” study co-author Xiaozhong Yu said during a recent interview with The Guardian. “When I first received the results for dogs I was surprised. I was even more surprised when I received the results for humans.”

…

[1WorldHope]

1. That might get them to ban plastic use.

Testicles are God given, don't ya know.

[OKIsItJustMe]

3. So is your uvula, but it doesn't get as much publicity.

Researchers say these new findings may further support a current theory that microplastics are contributing to the global decline in overall sperm counts. PVC, for example, was also detected in the testes, and has been linked to spermatogenesis interference and endocrine issues. …

[dweller]

2. So that explains

the extra little bounce in my steps
🤔




✌🏻

[1WorldHope]

4. Hahaha

[GiqueCee]

5. And does anyone believe for a micro-second...

... that those corporatists responsible for this potentially existential crisis have the moral fortitude to admit their complicity, or, for that matter, that they even give a shit?
... 3, 2, 1... "Our first responsibility is to our stockholders."

Well then... that makes it alright, doesn't it?

[Arne]

6. Pretty sure there is a huge occupational factor.

I know the stuff is everywhere, even the popcorn bags.
I spent years cutting and grinding plastics never concerned about
breathing or being covered with it.
And what the hell is Polyester?
Swirling around in the washer, or worse, in the dryer?