Scientists have uncovered a startling connection between environmental microplastics and intergenerational health. A study scheduled for publication in December 2025 by the University of California, Riverside, demonstrates that a father’s contact with microplastics can predispose his daughters to type 2 diabetes and other metabolic issues.
While microplastics are known to accumulate in the human body, their role in hereditary health was largely unknown until now. The research team found that daughters born to fathers exposed to these plastic particles displayed high blood sugar levels and significant insulin resistance. These symptoms were particularly pronounced when the offspring were also exposed to high-fat diets.
Professor Changcheng Zhou, who led the research, stated that while the exact reasons for the gender-specific impact remain unclear, the findings are a wake-up call for men. The study showed that while daughters suffered from liver inflammation and weakened muscles, sons showed different metabolic changes. This research highlights the urgent need to reduce plastic waste to protect the health of future generations.
