Miffed Over Microplastics: Scientists divided About effects of tiny Particles on Humans

The fact that most research about the possible harm to humans from microplastics has been done with animals is leading organizations concerned about the issue to advocate for further research, including with human subjects.

READ MORE ABOUT MICROPLASTICS
It took a lot of balls to bring you this story about microplastics making a home in men’s testicles
Cloud-sourcing: Yes, microplastics lurk in those fluffy formations above you

The most recent large study was done by the Association of American Medical Colleges, with the conclusion being that microplastics might cause heart problems and lower male fertility., However, the authors said the tests had been in labs and that animals were usually the data source. Their presence in organs, including the human brain, the AAMC said, needs to be better understood. 

Extensive data
There are other moves surrounding the subject. For instance, the organization Food Watchdog recently filed a petition to the EPA that was signed by 170 groups, The Guardian reports, including monitoring under the auspices of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Food Watchdog document offers extensive data showing that microplastics are a danger to health and that humans throughout much of the world are exposed.

The requested plan faces challenges, including that some credible scientists believe otherwise despite the widespread conviction that human health is endangered. Perhaps worse for the group, the incoming Trump administration is likely to cut EPA funding.

More from ClimateCrisis 247

• Jeff Bezos To Underwrite Climate AI
• Birds Eat So Much Plastic That They Crunch
• Rising Oceans Could Force 230 Million People To Move
• American Air Conditioning Costs To Be Hit By Global Warming