Can microplastic exposure affect the fertility of future generations?

Emerging research suggests that microplastic exposure can cause transgenerational epigenetic changes, meaning the effects may not be limited to the person exposed but can affect their children and grandchildren. Microplastics and their associated chemicals cause DNA methylation changes, a type of epigenetic modification that alters how genes are expressed without changing the DNA sequence itself. When these methylation changes occur in reproductive cells, they can be passed to subsequent generations.

Animal studies have demonstrated that microplastic exposure in parent organisms leads to reduced fertility, altered hormone levels, and reproductive abnormalities in offspring that were never directly exposed to plastics themselves. These effects have been observed extending to the third generation, suggesting that the epigenetic marks are stable enough to persist through multiple rounds of cell division and embryonic development. While human transgenerational studies require more time to complete, the animal evidence is concerning.

This means that the choices you make today about microplastic exposure may have implications beyond your own fertility. Reducing exposure from controllable sources like clothing and bedding is an investment not only in your own reproductive health but potentially in the health of future generations. ONDU's mission to make natural-fiber clothing accessible is rooted in this longer-term perspective on human health.