"Cancer-causing" plastics are invading every part of our bodies.

 Microplastics are invading nearly every cavity in the human body, having been found in semen, breast milk, and even brain tissue.

Microplastics enter our bodies through the consumption of plastic packaging, certain foods, tap water, and even the air we breathe. They have been linked to the development of cancer, heart disease, dementia, and fertility problems.

Scientists have also revealed that they have been found in almost every part of the world, from the deepest point on the planet, the Mariana Trench, to the summit of Mount Everest.

The tiny plastic particles have also been found in sugar, salt, honey, seafood, tap water, water bottles, and plastic-wrapped food.

Diana Cohen, CEO of the nonprofit Plastic Pollution Coalition, said that previous research has shown that people, on average, consume about 5 grams of plastic per week.

The Brain

Plastic materials that infiltrate the brain can cause inflammation and interfere with nerve cell function, according to a 2023 study.

"In the brain, plastic particles can increase the risk of inflammation, neurological disorders, or even neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's," said researcher Lukas Kinner of MedUni Vienna.

Experts found that polystyrene particles, used in foam food packaging, appeared in the brain just two hours after ingestion.

Semen

Last year, Beijing scientists discovered microplastics in human semen and testicles.

The majority of the particles found in the testicles were polystyrene, while polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were the most prevalent types in semen.

Scientists said that the decrease in sperm count may be due to exposure to microplastics.

The Heart

A team of scientists from China discovered microplastics in the heart for the first time in 2023, after collecting heart tissue and blood samples from 15 patients undergoing heart surgery.

These plastics in the blood can adhere to the outer membrane of red blood cells and may impair their ability to carry oxygen.

Breast Milk

In 2022, scientists made a remarkable discovery when they found microplastic particles in human breast milk for the first time.

A team from the Marche Polytechnic University in Italy analyzed milk samples from 34 healthy mothers and found microplastic particles in most of the samples.

The particles originated from PVC, polyethylene, and polypropylene, all plastics commonly found in plastic bottles, synthetic leather, floor tiles, and furniture upholstery.

Kidneys, Spleen, and Liver

A team from Arizona State University in the United States found the first evidence of microplastics dispersing into the liver, spleen, and kidneys.

"We found microplastics in every organ we examined," said Rolf Halden, lead researcher.

Placea

Microplastic particles were found in the human placenta last month after a team at the University of New Mexico tested the placentas of 62 women and found that each contained tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters long.

Lungs

Researchers from the University of Hull and Hull York Medical College first discovered microplastics in the living human lung in 2022.

The study found 39 microplastic fragments in 11 of the 13 lung tissue samples tested.