Microplastics May Be a Significant Cause of Male Infertility

Abstract

Due to the problematic degradation properties of plastics, the decomposition of plastic results in the formation of numerous microplastics (MPs), less than 5 mm in diameter. These MPs enter the soil and the ocean, eventually passing through the air, water, or food chain back to the human body and harming human health. In the last 80 years, male semen analysis parameters have shown a significant decline for unknown reasons, speculated to be caused by pollutants. No studies examined the relationship between human MP exposure and male infertility. In this article, we reviewed the relevant animal experimental research literature in recent years and calculated that the minimum human equivalent dose of MPs leading to abnormal male semen quality is 0.016 mg/kg/d. The literature comparison found that MP exposure in Japan and South Korea was close to this value. These results suggest that MPs can affect male semen quality and that MPs may significantly impact male fertility.

Plastics and Health

“…By 2050, it is predicted that there will be more plastic (by weight) in the ocean than fish 24 . Plastic's unique durability has made this ubiquitous, manmade material both useful and hazardous.…”

“…By 2050, it is predicted that there will be more plastic (by weight) in the ocean than fish. 24 Plastic's unique durability has made this ubiquitous, manmade material both useful and hazardous. Current manufacturing and disposal of plastic are contributing to GHGs and introducing harmful chemicals into the environment 3,21 in the United States and around the world.…”

“…Today, there are 5 areas in the oceans around the world known as garbage patches: huge swaths of plastic that cover the surface but also form a wall of plastic that reaches from the surface to the ocean floor bed (Figure 1). 23 Much of these patches are made up of microplastics, which are particles of decomposed plastic measuring less than 5 mm 9,24 . Since the COVID‐19 pandemic, this problem has worsened with increased use and disposal of personal protective equipment 20 …”

“…23 Much of these patches are made up of microplastics, which are particles of decomposed plastic measuring less than 5 mm. 9,24 Since the COVID-19 pandemic, this problem has worsened with increased use and disposal of personal protective equipment. 20 Microplastics can be found in the air, our foods, plastic packaging and products lined with bisphenol A (BPA), 11 our food chain (contaminated fish, agricultural soil), our bodies, 9,11,24 and small fibers from synthetic apparel.…”

“…9,24 Since the COVID-19 pandemic, this problem has worsened with increased use and disposal of personal protective equipment. 20 Microplastics can be found in the air, our foods, plastic packaging and products lined with bisphenol A (BPA), 11 our food chain (contaminated fish, agricultural soil), our bodies, 9,11,24 and small fibers from synthetic apparel. 23 Microbes, some heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, and possibly viruses and fungi can adhere to microplastics, potentially exacerbating their toxicity.…”