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Study Finds Cancer-Causing Microplastics in Human and Dog Testicles

May 21, 2024, 02:43 PM

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of New Mexico has found cancer-causing microplastics in 100% of human and canine testicles tested. The study, published in Toxicological Sciences, examined 23 human testicles and 47 dog testicles, discovering that human testicles contained 330 micrograms of plastic per gram of tissue, which is almost three times higher than the levels found in dog testicles. The presence of microplastics in testicles is linked to a significant decline in sperm counts over the past decades, raising concerns about male fertility. The study highlights crumbly polystyrene, polyethylene, and PVC as some of the worst offenders among microplastics. Scientists suggest that the pervasive presence of microplastics in the environment and their potential health risks necessitate urgent action to mitigate exposure and find alternatives to single-use plastics.