Microplastics Have Made Their Way Into Penises. What Can We Do To Avoid Them? | Business Insider

Summary

A recent study has discovered microplastics within human penis tissue for the first time, potentially affecting male fertility. Microplastics, already found in blood and sperm, are ubiquitous, with PET and polypropylene being the most common types identified. This study, albeit small, suggests a link between modern living and increased microplastic presence in our bodies. The health implications are concerning, with endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates present in microplastics potentially leading to various health issues. Simple measures such as avoiding microwaving plastic, reducing takeout, and regular cleaning can help mitigate exposure.

Takeaways

• 🔬 A new study has discovered microplastics within the Corpus spongiosum, a deep tissue in the penis that plays a role in erections, raising concerns about their potential impact on male fertility.
• 🌐 Microplastics have already been detected in blood and sperm, and their presence in the penis is a logical extension, suggesting they are pervasive throughout the body.
• 📏 Microplastics are defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm wide, often invisible to the naked eye, and can range from 20 to 500 micrometers in width.
• 🔍 The study identified PET and polypropylene as the most common types of microplastics found in the samples, which are commonly used in food packaging and bottle caps.
• 👤 The study sample was small, consisting of six men from Miami with erectile dysfunction, revealing microplastics in five of them, with one exception who led a more traditional lifestyle with less plastic use.
• 📈 The intake of microplastics has increased significantly, with a sixfold rise since 1990, and this trend is expected to continue as global plastic consumption is projected to triple by 2060.
• 🌪️ Microplastics can enter the body through ingestion or inhalation, making their way into the digestive tract, bloodstream, and potentially reaching various organs including the testicles, semen, blood, and brain.
• 🧪 The presence of microplastics in the body is difficult to quantify, but they are known to be present in a wide range of everyday items, from food and drinks to clothing and household dust.
• 🚫 Chemicals within microplastics, such as BPA and phthalates, are endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormones and have been linked to various health issues including cancer, obesity, and reproductive problems.
• 🛑 To reduce microplastic exposure, experts recommend avoiding microwaving plastic, using fewer plastic takeout containers and water bottles, vacuuming regularly to reduce household dust, and choosing natural fibers in clothing.
• 🌱 Washing hands before eating is a universal health tip that also helps to minimize the ingestion of microplastics and germs.

Q & A

What is the first evidence found in the new study regarding microplastics?

The first evidence found in the new study is the presence of microplastics inside penis tissue, specifically in the Corpus spongiosum, which is largely responsible for erections.

How widespread are microplastics in the human body?

Microplastics have been found in blood, sperm, and now penis tissue, indicating that they are widespread throughout the human body.

What is the definition of a microplastic?

A microplastic is defined as any piece of plastic that is less than 5 mm wide, which can include a wide range of materials.

Which two types of plastics were most commonly found in the study?

The two most common types of plastics found in the study were PET, used in food packaging, and polypropylene, used to make bottle caps.

What was the sample size of the study on microplastics in penis tissue?

The sample size for the study was small, consisting of six men living in Miami who were struggling with erectile dysfunction.

How do scientists believe microplastics enter the human body?

Scientists believe that microplastics enter the human body primarily by swallowing or inhaling them, which can then travel through the digestive tract and into the bloodstream.

What is the potential impact of microplastics on male fertility?

The potential impact of microplastics on male fertility is not yet fully understood, but the presence of microplastics in the Corpus spongiosum, which is involved in erections, raises concerns about possible connections to erectile dysfunction.

How has the intake of microplastics changed since 1990?

A recent study suggested that the intake of microplastics has increased sixfold since 1990, and this trend is expected to continue as global plastic consumption is expected to triple by 2060.

What are some of the common chemicals found in microplastics that could impact human health?

Some common chemicals found in microplastics include BPA (bisphenol A), PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), phthalates, and PET, which can act as endocrine disruptors and have been linked to various health issues.

What are some practical tips to avoid microplastics in daily life?

Practical tips to avoid microplastics include not microwaving plastic, avoiding plastic takeout containers and water bottles, vacuuming regularly to reduce household dust, choosing natural fibers in clothing, and washing hands before eating.

What is the broader implication of the findings on microplastics in terms of public health and policy?

The broader implication is that there is a need for increased awareness and regulation of the plastic industry, similar to the way cigarettes were regulated in the past, to mitigate the potential health risks associated with microplastics.

Outlines

00:00

🔬 Microplastics in Human Tissue: Impact on Male Fertility

A recent study has discovered microplastics within the Corpus spongiosum, a deep tissue in the penis crucial for erections, raising concerns about their potential impact on male fertility. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm wide, have been previously found in blood and sperm. The study identified two common types: PET, used in food packaging, and polypropylene, used in bottle caps. The research involved six men from Miami with erectile dysfunction, revealing microplastics in all but one, who led a traditional lifestyle with minimal plastic use. This suggests a link between modern living and increased microplastic presence. Scientists believe microplastics enter the body through ingestion or inhalation, potentially affecting various organs including the testicles, blood, and brain. The study also highlighted the increase in microplastic intake since 1990 and the ubiquity of microplastics in everyday life, from food and drink packaging to laundry and household dust.

05:02

🌐 Chemicals in Microplastics: Health Risks and Prevention

The presence of various chemicals within microplastics poses significant health risks. Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor linked to cancer and obesity, has been phased out of baby bottles and can linings, but its safety is still under debate. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as 'Forever chemicals,' are persistent and also linked to endocrine disruption, lower immunity, obesity, and cancers. Phthalates, flexible plasticizers, are associated with reproductive issues, allergies, ADHD, and lower IQs. PET, used in bottles and caps, may release toxic chemicals when heated. To mitigate exposure, experts advise against microwaving plastic, avoiding plastic takeout containers and water bottles, regular vacuuming and house ventilation to reduce dust-borne microplastics, and choosing natural fibers over synthetic materials. Washing hands before eating is also recommended to prevent the ingestion of microplastics and germs. The narrative calls for increased awareness and regulation of the plastic industry to address the growing microplastic crisis.

Keywords

💡Microplastics

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 mm wide that can come from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items. They are the central theme of the video, as they have been found in human tissues, including the penis, and are suspected to have health implications. The script discusses the discovery of microplastics in the Corpus spongiosum, a tissue in the penis, and their potential impact on male fertility.

💡Corpus spongiosum

The Corpus spongiosum is a type of erectile tissue in the penis that plays a key role in achieving erections. The script mentions that microplastics were found in this tissue, leading to concerns about a possible connection between the presence of these plastics and erectile dysfunction.

💡Male fertility

Male fertility refers to a man's ability to reproduce and is a significant concern raised in the video. The presence of microplastics in the penis tissue is hypothesized to potentially impact male fertility, although the exact mechanisms and implications are still under investigation.

💡PET

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a type of plastic commonly used in food packaging. The script identifies PET as one of the two most common types of microplastics found in the study, indicating that everyday exposure to this material could contribute to the accumulation of microplastics in the body.

💡Polypropylene

Polypropylene is another type of plastic used to make bottle caps, including those for water bottles. The script notes its prevalence among the microplastics discovered in the study, suggesting that common household items may be a source of these tiny pollutants.

💡Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. The script discusses a study involving men with this condition, where microplastics were found in their penis tissues, suggesting a potential link between microplastic exposure and erectile issues.

💡Endocrine disruptors

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the normal functioning of hormones in the body. The script mentions several chemicals found in microplastics, such as BPA and phthalates, that can act as endocrine disruptors, potentially leading to a range of health problems.

💡BPA

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in certain plastics and epoxy resins. It is highlighted in the script as an endocrine disruptor that has been linked to various health issues, including cancer and obesity. BPA's presence in microplastics raises concerns about its impact on human health.

💡PFAS

PFAS, or 'Forever chemicals,' are a class of chemicals known for their resistance to grease, water, and stains. They are found in a variety of products, including food packaging. The script discusses PFAS as endocrine disruptors that could cause health issues such as lower birth rates and cancers.

💡Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and pliable. The script points out that independent experts are concerned about phthalates' potential to affect reproductive development and lead to issues such as allergies, ADHD, and lower IQs.

💡Microplastic intake

Microplastic intake refers to the amount of microplastics that people consume, either through ingestion or inhalation. The script suggests that our intake of microplastics has increased significantly since 1990, and with the global consumption of plastic expected to triple by 2060, this trend is likely to continue.

Highlights

A new study has found the first evidence of microplastics inside human penis tissue, potentially impacting male fertility.

Microplastics have already been discovered in blood and sperm, indicating their widespread presence in the human body.

Microplastics were identified in the Corpus spongiosum, a deep tissue in the penis crucial for erections.

The study suggests a possible link between microplastics and erectile dysfunction.

Microplastics are defined as any plastic pieces less than 5 mm wide, making them difficult to detect with the naked eye.

The most common types of microplastics found were PET, used in food packaging, and polypropylene, used in bottle caps.

The study involved a small sample size of six men with erectile dysfunction, all from Miami.

One participant, an older man with a traditional lifestyle, had no microplastics detected, suggesting modern living contributes to microplastic presence.

Scientists believe microplastics enter the body through ingestion or inhalation, then entering the bloodstream and potentially reaching various organs.

A recent study indicates a sixfold increase in microplastic intake since 1990, with a projected tripling of global plastic consumption by 2060.

Microplastics are ubiquitous, found in food, drinks, clothing, and household dust.

Microplastics contain various chemicals, including BPA, which is an endocrine disruptor linked to health issues.

PFAS, or 'Forever chemicals,' are another group of microplastic chemicals linked to health problems including cancers and lowered immunity.

Phthalates, found in flexible plastics, are of concern due to their potential impact on reproductive development and testosterone levels.

Avoiding microwaving plastic, using fewer plastic containers, and vacuuming regularly are suggested ways to reduce microplastic exposure.

Tracy Woodruff, a leading microplastics researcher, calls for increased regulation of the plastic industry in light of new findings.

Transcripts

so a new study found the first evidence

of microplastics actually inside of

penis tissue and scientists think that

could be impacting male fertility in

reality microplastics are all over our

bodies they've already been found in

blood and in sperm and so it makes sense

that they would also be in penises but

what are they doing there and how bad is

it for our health I'm Hillary brick and

I cover Health at Business Insider

microplastics were found in a deep

tissue inside the penis called the

Corpus spongiosum and the surgeon tells

me this is largely what's responsible

for erections so he's wondering is there

some sort of connection between these

Plastics and the dysfunction broadly

speaking the definition of a

microplastic is basically any piece of

plastic that's less than 5 mm wide so

this can mean just about anything can be

a microplastic or be a microplastic so

there were two types of plastic that

were the most common that the

researchers found in this study and

those were pet which is used in a lot of

food packaging and polypropylene which

is used to make bottle caps like water

bottle caps these microplastics are not

something you're going to see with the

naked eye they're between 20 and 500

micrometers wide so that's like maybe

one or two hairs the sample size for

this study was pretty small it was done

on six men all living in Miami and all

struggling with erectile dysfunction and

five of the men had microplastic in

their penises but interestingly one did

not he's an older guy a Cuban guy who

lives in Miami and you know he doesn't

do that much takeout he kind of lives a

traditional life he doesn't really use

plastic water bottles that much kind of

drinks from a cup and eats from a plate

it seems kind of counter into itive that

an older person would have less plastic

in their body because they've had more

time to swallow plastic but this is a

trend other researchers have also found

so there's something perhaps about our

modern way of living that is

contributing to the fact that there's

more microplastic in our

bodies the two main ways that scientists

think that we are getting microplastics

inside of us are either by swallowing

them or inhaling them so either from the

air or from eating drinking something so

it goes into your digestive tract and

then it travels down into your gut and

then once it's in your gut it gets

processed and it can enter the

bloodstream and that's when it can just

really go just about anywhere in your

body including in testicles not just

penises but also semen blood the gut the

brain it's a little bit difficult to

quantify how much microplastic is in our

body but when recent study suggested our

intake of microplastics has increased

sixfold since 1990 this is a trend

that's expected to only continue our

Global consumption of plastic is

expected to Triple by

2060 so it's not like you can identify

one source of microplastics they really

are everywhere in everything

microplastics are present in Foods we

eat and drinks we consume so if you go

out for it to go coffee there's a little

plastic f inside your cup if you eat

from a takeout container it's probably

coated with a shiny coating the slice of

pizza comes on a piece of paper that

might have some little microplastics

that you eat in your pizza if you drink

water that can also have microplastics

in it either from the bottle cap it

might pop off and get in there another

place that microplastics come from is

the clothes we wear and when we do

laundry so these little micro fibers all

these sort of new

and often improved Fabrics that can

stretch and do various things when they

get washed those microfibers will come

out of them there's a lot of

microplastic in the air we breathe as

well it's incorporated into the

household dust it's really kind of

impossible to act like we could ever get

away from

microplastics there are so many

different chemicals inside of

microplastics there's like more than

13,000 but I will mention a few of the

most common one of them is BPA or

bisphenol a BPA is one of these

endocrine disrupting chemicals that can

confuse our hormones and scientists have

shown that it can lead to more cancer or

more obesity hyperactivity decreased

immunity and ability to fight off

infections so it's one of these hormone

disrupting chemicals that can impact the

way our body functions BPA was phased

out of baby bottles a few years ago in

2013 and it's been increasingly phased

out of the Linings of cans the FDA says

that the level of BPA we're exposed to

in things like food packaging is safe

but the research on this is still in its

infancy another chemical inside

microplastics is p you might have heard

of these called Forever chemicals pasts

are a broad class of chemicals that are

used in all kinds of things from

raincoats to Teflon to firefighting foam

and food packaging pasas are useful

because they repel water and so you can

waterproof things or make things more

leak proof or non-stick and while

they're really good at resisting grease

and Fire and Rain they are also really

good at sticking around forever that's

why they're called Forever chemicals and

they are also endocrine disruptors so

they mess with the normal functioning of

our hormone

and can cause some health problems they

have been linked with lower birth rates

lowered immunity some obesity in

children and also cancers including

testicular cancer another type of

chemical is called phalates and these

are really flexible pliable Plastics

independent experts are concerned about

phalates because there's evidence they

can influence reproductive development

leading to more allergies issues with

development like more cases of ADHD

lower IQs impacting brain development

but also specifically for men that it

might be tied to lower testosterone and

by having an anti-androgenic effect on

the body another plastic is pet this is

the stuff that a lot of bottles and

bottle caps are made from there's

concerns that that when it gets really

hot like above 100° can leech out some

toxic chemicals that there could be

harmful effects over time leeching out

of those bottles and bottle caps the

bottom line is whatever kind of plastic

you're using it probably has some kind

of chemical in it that has some kind of

impact on your hormones and your health

but there are a few things you can do to

avoid microplastics I've interviewed a

lot of experts about microplastics over

the years and the one thing that

everyone says is do not microwave your

plastic that's because when the plastic

heats up it gives all those chemicals

and potentially toxic things a chance to

to leech out into the food you're eating

or the thing you're drinking my second

tip for avoiding microplastics is to try

to avoid plastic takeout containers

plastic water bottles and to go cups

when you can just getting away from

those and cooking more at home when you

can is really one of the best ways to

avoid microplastic in your food the

third tip that I talked to experts about

is to vacuum regularly ventilate your

house because a lot of microplastic gets

into the dust in our house and so if

your house is less Dusty less chance for

you to be inhaling microplastics some of

the scientists I talked to are most

concerned about some of the skin care

that we use all of those artificial

scents and fragrances that are in there

can have a lot of phalates in them so

they recommend trying to avoid super

scented things and trying to pick out

more natural fibers when you can and

when the price is agreeable because a

lot of those synthetic materials that we

wear have a lot of plastic chemicals in

them this last tip is one that pretty

much any health expert will tell you for

anything and it's wash your hands before

you eat getting the germs and the

microplastics off your hands will help

keep more of them out of your body these

Plastics aren't just passing through us

and you know going out the other end

they might be causing some damage while

they're

inside one of the leading microplastics

researchers Tracy Woodruff at the

University of California San Francisco

told me that she really feels like we're

at an inflection point with

microplastics where we're starting to

learn more and more about them where

they are and what they're doing in our

bodies and she feels like this should

really be a rallying moment for people

to and Regulators to step up and start

to regulate the Plastic industry much in

the way that cigarettes were regulated

in the 1960s