May 19, 2025.

By Asheni Rosa.

Plastic is a disaster for the world. Many research reports have revealed information about its impact on the reproductive system.

A Chinese research team has found microplastics (small plastic particles) in 25 sperm samples taken from 40 men, while an Italian research team has found microplastics in 6 out of 10 men.

The University of New Mexico has reported that microplastics can also be found in testicular samples. 47 samples from dogs and 23 human samples were used for this research. He said that the impact of this on the reproductive health of the younger generation could be profound.

According to an article by the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, the burning of plastics or their accumulation in the soil produces toxic chemicals in our bodies, such as bisphenol A and styrene. These chemicals enter the body through drinking water, other beverages, medicines, and food, disrupting the endocrine system involved in the production of our hormones. As a result, even though sperm are produced in the body by the millions, a small change in the environment can cause various complications. As a result, the quality of sperm is poor, which causes male infertility.

Meanwhile, an Italian research team has shown that microplastics are present in the follicular fluid in the ovaries.

Microplastics were found in 75% of breast milk samples taken from 34 healthy mothers in Rome, Italy, a week after giving birth.

Another Italian research team has found microplastics in the placenta, where the fetus develops. The findings were made by examining samples taken from 34 mothers who had normal pregnancies and healthy births.

The research team has shown that microplastics were detected in both the mother’s side of the placenta and the part of the placenta that is likely to be the fetus’s side. Here, a dozen pieces of plastic were found. The research team warned that they only tested 4% of the placenta, and that the total amount of plastic in the placenta could be much higher.

The research team itself points out that the microplastic pieces found here were plastic that had been dyed blue, red, orange or pink, and they have speculated that they may have entered the body through food packaging, paints and cosmetic products.

Although the effects of microplastics on the human body are not yet fully understood, scientists point out that the toxins in plastic have the potential to have a long-term effect on our organs. The researchers also point out that these chemicals have the potential to weaken the immune system of the growing fetus.

It is clear that plastic has entered every part of our lives.

For example, a survey conducted with several shops in Ibbagamuwa showed that about 1,500 polythene bags are issued per day. How much of this ends up in our water, soil, air, and bodies?

From the vegetable market — 500 per day 🥬

From the fish market — 500 🐟

From the bakery — 110 🍞

From stores — 300 🛒

From the chicken shop — 35 🍗

From the pharmacy — 20 💊

From other small shops — 35 🛍️

Total: 500 + 500 + 110 + 300 + 35 + 20 + 35 = 1,500 ❗

Per month: 1,500 × 30 = 45,000 discarded.

Per year: 1,500 × 365 = 547,500 ♨️

All those pieces

Go to our lake,

To our fields,

To our water…..

To our child’s body.

If one person reduces 1 polythene per day = 365 per year can be reduced. If 10 people reduce 1 polythene per day = 3,650 can be reduced. If 10 people reduce 2 polythene per day = 7,300 can be reduced.

This damage can only be reversed by us, who created it.

Here are some things we can do for that.

Let’s minimize the amount of plastic we bring home.

Let’s reject food in plastic and polythene packaging as much as possible.

Let’s dispose of plastic and polythene in a way that can be recycled.

Let’s hold a discussion with your grocery store to reduce the use of plastic polythene.

Let’s force your nearest supermarket to reduce the use of polythene bags.

Let’s force the government to impose restrictions on the import of polythene and plastic into the country and related products.

Let’s force the Pradeshiya Sabha to direct discarded polythene for recycling.

Let’s discuss with our Pradeshiya Sabha representatives to develop a proper waste disposal system.