First-ever Detection of Microplastics Found in Human Penises.
Researchers have detected microplastics in human penises for the first time, highlighting growing concerns over their widespread presence and potential health impacts.
Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic, ranging from less than 0.2 inches down to microscopic sizes, formed when larger plastics degrade chemically or physically.
In a study published in IJIR: Your Sexual Medicine Journal, scientists found seven types of microplastics in penis tissue samples from five men. This discovery adds to mounting evidence that these particles can infiltrate organs and tissues.
Lead author Ranjith Ramasamy, from the University of Miami, noted similarities to a prior study on microplastics in the human heart. He explained that the penis, being highly vascular like the heart, was expected to harbor such particles.
Samples were taken from men undergoing penile implant surgery for erectile dysfunction at the University of Miami. Chemical imaging revealed microplastics in the penile tissue of four out of five participants.
Polyethene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) were among the most common types identified. Ramasamy emphasized the need for further research to understand if microplastics contribute to erectile dysfunction and their potential pathological effects.
The findings underscore concerns about microplastics’ presence in everyday items like bottled water and their potential impact on human health. Experts like toxicologist Matthew J. Campen stress the importance of reducing plastic consumption until more is known about their health implications.