The microplasty found in the new part of the body – as they are inserted into us

In February, scientists discovered a microplastic spoon that stays in the human brain.

Previous research revealed small particles in the lungs, liver, kidneys and blood – plus in body fluids such as sperm and breast milk.

Now a study published in ecotoxicology and environmental safety has found that in another part of the body, which researchers say “should serve as an important warning signal”.

Luigi Montano and his team at the University of Rome discovered microplastics in the follicular ovarian fluid of 14 of the 18 women who studied.

Follicular fluid surrounds the eggs that develop in the ovary, giving nutrients such as glucose, triglycerides, fatty acids, albumin and globulin.

“As far as we know, this is the first study to give evidence of [microplastics’] The presence in the follicular fluid of the ovary in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment, ”the authors of the study said.

“This discovery should serve as an important warning signal for the invasiveness of these developing pollutants in the women’s reproductive system, given that they can change its composition and have an impact on oocytes [egg]thus presenting an important reproductive risk to our species. “

Montano said their findings were “very alarming”, stressing that his previous research also suggests that the lowest microplastics of sperm count and quality.

He told The Guardian that it is not only the microplasty itself that can damage fertility, calling them a “Trojan cal” allowing bisphenol, phthalates, pfas – aka chemicals permanently associated with cancer and hormonal termination “to enter the body.

Microplasty and fertility

While this is the first study to find microplastics in the ovary, they were previously observed in the uterus and placenta.

They are also found in human testicles – in alarming amounts.

â € u œ The levels of microplastic pieces and plastic types in human tests were three times larger than those found in dogs, and dogs are eating from the floor, told CNN Matthew Campen, a toxicologist and co -author of a 2024 study in microplastics.

â € œto really puts in perspective â € ¦ what we will put on our bodies.â €

One main fear is that microplastics are endocrine decay, meaning that they mess with hormones. This can have a major impact on many bodies functions, especially fertility and reproduction.

How are microplasts inserted into our bodies?

There are two main ways that human bodies are contaminated with microplastics: breathing in the air or eating them in food.

One of the big issues, say experts, is that many of our food is stored at one point in plastic containers or bags.

â € œtot is not packaged in plastic when we buy it from the store, but then we cook it, and we often put it in plastic containers to store it in our refrigerator because it is easy and this is free, NBC news told. â € and that plastic is flowing into our food.â €

While that leak seems to happen from any contact, it deteriorates when those plastic containers are heated.

“Mostly, when a container says” Microwave Safe, “means it is sure the container is in the microwave” will not melt, “she said.

“But that doesn’t mean it’s safe for you as a person, because microwave plastic especially changes chemical bonds – they make them weaker. And it allows any chemicals that are in plastic, and also nanoplastic, release from that container in the food you” reheat up. “

It doesn’t even have to be repeated in the microwave – simply storing hot food in the plastic has been shown to have risks, even beyond those from the microplasty.

In December, Chinese researchers found that rats drinking water that were boiled and placed on a plastic intake lid had significant inflammation and damage to their heart muscle.

Can we do to reduce microplasty intake?

Unfortunately, microplastics – small pieces to plastic up to 5 millimeters long – are ubiquitous, with estimates that 10 to 40 million tons of metrics are left to lose in the environment each year.

Researchers have found that people consume about 5 grams a week, or enough to fill a spoonful of soup. In one year, this is 250 grams – a “plate of full dinner”, according to Reuters.

To cut a little into your microplastic intake, experts recommend not drinking from plastic water bottles, avoid plastic tea bags, boil and filter tap water, dig plastic cutting boards and keep plastic containers outside the microwave.

â € œ Give the widespread presence of microplastics in the environment, completely eliminating exposure is unrealistic. A more practical approach is to reduce the most important sources of microplastic intake, â € researchers after a study of water bottles have written on the genomic press.