Plastic chemicals have been a concern for quite some time, with researchers now suggesting that certain chemicals may be affecting the sex cells of animals and potentially even humans. A recent study conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School exposed roundworms (Caenorhabditis elegans) to benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), a chemical commonly found in soft, flexible plastics like PVC. The levels of BBP used in the study were within the range previously detected in samples of human urine, semen, blood, umbilical cord blood, breast milk, and amniotic fluid.
The study found that BBP and its byproducts were absorbed by the worms at levels similar to those seen in humans. The chemical had a strong negative impact on the animals’ sex cells, leading to DNA breakage. BBP has been widely used in products such as vinyl flooring, furniture, children’s toys, cosmetics, and car care products. While it has been restricted in the US, Canada, and the European Union, it is often only prohibited at certain concentrations in specific circumstances.
The researchers exposed roundworms to varying doses of BBP and observed the effects on their sex cells using mass spectrometry and RNA sequencing. They found that BBP caused double-strand DNA breaks, defects in meiosis (cell division that reduces chromosomes in sex cells), and inaccurate chromosome segregation. This can result in offspring having an abnormal number of chromosomes, leading to serious consequences for future generations.
The study revealed that BBP causes oxidative stress, where the body’s antioxidants are unable to neutralize the highly reactive toxin, leading to damage to the body’s cells. In the gonads, where eggs and sperm form, this can have significant implications for the next generation. The authors emphasize the importance of studying the reproductive effects of BBP exposure using C. elegans, as the internal levels of BBP detected in the worms were comparable to levels found in various human biological samples.
The researchers warn that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BBP may pose a threat to human health, affecting both those directly exposed and future generations. The study was published in PLOS Genetics, highlighting the need for further research and regulation of these harmful chemicals.
