Microplastics found in every semen sample tested by research team and how not to get exposed to plastic

Microplastics found in every semen sample tested by research team

Your body is getting riddled with plastics now. You cannot escape it unless you get rid of plastics as much as you can.

Now what if plastic affects your fertility? What if it affects humanity’s survival itself?

A team of public health researchers affiliated with multiple institutions in China has found microplastics in the semen of every sample they tested. In their study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, the group looked for microplastics in semen samples obtained from 36 healthy adult men.

Prior research has shown that microplastics are nearly everywhere, found on mountaintops, remote islands in the upper atmosphere and the depths of the world's oceans.

They have also been found in every organ in the human body.

In a recent discovery, some scientists found that the average person consumes plastic in amounts equal to about one credit card every week (this research ‘s somewhat controversial, that figure, five grams, is dubious. Other scientists have found major errors in that analysis and subsequent studies give estimates a million times lower. The amount doesn’t matter now though. The study suggests, however, that it's their small size that may pose the danger. Nanoparticles can slip into the bloodstream, get into organs, and sneak into cells where they may cause harm).

A paper published in The Lancet in December goes through models and animal studies showing that plastic likely goes into most of our major organs and even affects the good bacteria that makes up our microbiome. That is not proof of harm, just reason for concern. It also points to more research being needed.

It's hard to do direct human studies on long-term effects, but a small study showed there was more plastic in people with liver disease than those with healthy livers, and another small study found plastic particles in human blood clots. Animal studies suggest that plastic particles can cause male infertility and can cross into a fetus during pregnancy.

Finding microplastic even in breastmilk should give us the warning sign we need to change our personal routines.

The plastic problem can seem overwhelming when particles get inside our bodies from the air we breathe, the food we eat and the beverages we drink. It is not just bottled water but likely all those popular sodas, juices, sports drinks and other beverages sold in plastic bottles. Many reusable bottles are plastic or have plastic lids. Tackling the problem requires more information about sizes and kinds of particles that are most dangerous and where they come from.

The researchers note that plastics can enter the body in multiple ways, such as through drinking from water bottles, breathing air particulates, or eating food heated in plastic containers. They further note that it is now practically impossible for people to avoid ingesting microplastics.

The health impacts remain unknown, but many scientists around the world are looking into it, suspecting microplastic ingestion may be behind many inflammatory diseases.
In this new effort, the research team wondered if ingested microplastics might be behind the global drop in fertility rates. To find out, they recruited 36 healthy adult males living in the city of Jinan, in the eastern part of China, who did not work in the plastics industry—each donated a sample of semen for testing.

Each of the samples was prepared by mixing it with a chemical solution then filtered for analysis by a team member using a microscope.

The researchers found microplastics in every sample of semen they tested!

They also found eight types of plastics, the most common of which was polystyrene, which is commonly used in packaging foam.
The team also found lower sperm motility in the semen samples containing polyvinyl chloride plastic bits, a finding that may help explain the decline in fertility rates.

And scientists are not kidding!

Highlights of the study:

• • •An early study to detect microplastics in semen from a general population cohort
  • •Eight MP polymer types were identified, with PS, PE, and PVC most prevalent.
  • •Raman microspectroscopy enabled sub-micron microplastic characterization.

After reading this report people asked me how they can get rid of these microplastics accumulated in their bodies. And this is my reply: 

Prioritize a healthy, plastic-free diet first. Refuse to eat anything that comes in plastic. 

Removing microplastics from your body is not easy, and it's a continuous effort.

It requires commitment to limit our exposure to the best of our ability and focus on a healthy lifestyle. This can aid the bodies' natural detoxification processes.

You can eat some anti-inflammatory foods to minimize their effects. 

• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, asparagus or cauliflower increase bodies' natural detoxification.
• Leafy greens like spinach and kale contain chlorophyll, which may have positive effects
• Citrus fruits contain antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help to flush toxins
• Garlic contains sulfur, which can help activate liver enzymes
• Ginger and Turmeric have positive effects on digestion and anti-inflammatory properties
• Green tea contains so-called polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Make sure you choose bulk tea, as some tea bags are associated with releasing microplastics.
• Berries are also rich in antioxidants and contain healthy vitamins
• A fiber-rich diet and grains like chia an flax help bowel movement and support digestion
• Staying hydrated is equally important to help your body flush out the toxins

Additionally, try to avoid high-risk food.

You can opt for organic food, which is less exposed to industrial fertilizers containing microplastic.

Some seafood is also more exposed to microplastic than others.

Mollusks like clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops for example have the highest levels of microplastics recorded.

Try and reduce the plastic in your kitchen. Don't buy or eat anything that comes in plastic. 

Tupperware, bakeware, and plates made of plastic are releasing chemicals and microplastic if exposed to food.

Have you ever seen one of your plastic containers change color, because you stored tomato sauce?

You won’t be surprised that the same also happens the other way around, as your tomato sauce absorbs microplastic and contained toxins.

Plastics contain dangerous chemicals like Nickel, Antimony, or Ethylbenzene. They cause severe health problems from skin irritation to cancer.

 

Another major source for microplastic in the kitchen is your dishwashing items.

Shocking studies reveal that plastic sponges and brushes release significant microplastics. These stick to your tableware and later are consumed.

Choose natural kitchen brushes and natural loofah sponges instead, which are a perfect alternative, without adding to your plastic diet.

 Avoid plastic takeout

A lot of takeout food still comes packed in plastic. 

Especially with the exposure to heat and fat, plastic containers like the ones made of Styrofoam release increased amounts of microplastic and chemicals.

By bringing your own containers made of glass or steel, you can avoid these effects.

Additionally, keep a reusable water bottle and coffee mug with you to fill them on the go if needed.

Naturally, plastic straws and plastic cutlery should also be avoided.

Avoid single-use plastic

In addition to avoiding contaminated food, you should try to limit the exposure of your groceries to plastic packaging and bags.

 

Keep a reusable bag or backpack near the door and take the loose produce in cloth or jute bags. If you forgot your bags at home, at least go for the paper option.

 

Take the glass or steel bottle instead of the plastic bottle and try to take paper packaging wherever you can.

Taking the fresh meat or fish from the counter instead of the prepacked one can also limit your exposure.

 

If you cannot find specific items without plastic, bulk stores and markets can be great alternatives to the regular grocery store.

Avoid canned foods

Where possible, avoid canned foods, which are often lined with plastic.

You should find most canned products also in a glass container instead, which is safer to use.

 

If there is no glass option, check the product label and avoid producers that use BPA in their linings.

Try a plastic-free personal care routine Many cosmetics and personal care products still contain microplastic. For example a 2022 study showed that 50% of sampled toothpastes contained microplastics. Manufacturers add these microbeads on purpose! The same applies to other personal care products, where manufacturers add microplastics for abrasion or texture. Look for the “Zero Plastic Inside” logo and search the publicly available information. There are also databases to check your products for plastic. You will find many plastic-free alternatives for all personal care products. As a first step, why don't you try toothpaste tablets and solid bodywash- and shampoo, which are guaranteed plastic-free.

Avoid microplastics in drinking water

Plastic water bottles are one of the main contributors of microplastics in the human body.

 

Studies show that 93% of bottled water contains microplastic. With every single liter (33 oz) of bottled water we consume 10 particles of microplastic.

 

Just get rid of plastic water bottles. Use steel or glass water bottles. 

With a water filter, you can remove or significantly reduce the exposure to these materials.

Ironically  some water filters are made of plastic. So choose them wisely.

Use Eco-friendly clothing and laundry

The fast fashion industry is responsible for more than 30% of global plastic production and a majority of global microplastics. Choosing natural materials like cotton for your clothing can not only reduce that massive plastic footprint of the fashion industry. It can also reduce microplastics created by abrasion and limit your exposure in the household. Microfiber clothing can shed during the washing cycle. This releases microplastic into the water and leaves residues in your washing machine. Microfiber filters can prevent microplastic pollution from laundry and protect both your health and nature. Eco friendly laundry can limit your exposure to these sheds and even save you money.

Consume food, not plastics!

Research papers consulted:

1. Ning Li et al, Prevalence and implications of microplastic contaminants in general human seminal fluid: A Raman spectroscopic study, Science of The Total Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173522
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723048830
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35183629/

Graphical abstract. Credit: Science of The Total Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173522

Other articles  consulted: shop-without-plastic