Recent scientific research has uncovered a concerning connection between microplastics carried by fathers and a heightened risk of diabetes in their children. This emerging evidence adds to the growing body of knowledge about the far-reaching impacts of environmental pollutants on human health, extending beyond direct exposure to future generations.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimetres in size, have become ubiquitous in the environment due to widespread plastic pollution. These particles are found in air, water, soil, and even within the human body. Whilst much attention has been given to the effects of microplastics on marine life and ecosystems, scientists are now investigating their potential influence on human health, particularly through paternal transmission.
A groundbreaking study led by biomedical scientists at the University of California, Riverside, published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society in December 2025, reveals that microplastics carried by fathers can influence the metabolic health of their offspring, specifically increasing the risk of developing diabetes. Using mouse models, the researchers found that paternal exposure to microplastics altered sperm small non-coding RNA profiles, which in turn predisposed female offspring to diabetic-like metabolic disorders when challenged with a high-fat diet.
The study showed that female offspring of microplastic-exposed fathers developed stronger diabetic phenotypes, including insulin resistance and upregulation of pro-inflammatory and pro-diabetic genes in their livers. Male offspring did not develop diabetes but showed a slight reduction in fat mass. This sex-specific effect highlights how microplastics may interact differently with developmental pathways in males and females.
The researchers used advanced sequencing technology (PANDORA-seq) to demonstrate that microplastic exposure changes the "cargo" of sperm, specifically small RNAs that regulate gene expression during early development. These epigenetic changes do not alter DNA sequences but can influence how genes are turned on or off in offspring, thereby affecting their long-term health.
Professor Changcheng Zhou, the lead author, emphasised the broader implications: "Our discovery opens a new frontier in environmental health, shifting the focus toward how both parents’ environments contribute to the health of their children. These findings from a mouse study likely have implications for humans. Men planning to have children should consider reducing their exposure to harmful substances like microplastics to protect both their health and that of their future children."
What This Means for Singaporeans
For Singapore, a highly urbanised city-state with a dense population and significant plastic consumption, this research carries important implications. Despite Singapore’s strong waste management and recycling systems, plastic pollution remains a challenge, especially with microplastics found in local waterways and even in the air.
Singaporeans should be aware that microplastic exposure is not just an environmental issue but a potential health concern that could affect future generations. With diabetes already a major public health issue in Singapore, understanding and mitigating environmental risk factors like microplastics is crucial.
This research highlights the need for Singaporeans to adopt more sustainable lifestyles by reducing single-use plastics, supporting government initiatives on waste reduction, and advocating for cleaner environments. It also emphasises the importance of reproductive health awareness, encouraging prospective fathers to consider environmental exposures as part of their overall health.
By taking collective action, Singapore can continue to lead in environmental sustainability whilst protecting the health of its people and future generations from the hidden dangers of microplastics.
For individuals, this research serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and personal health choices. Reducing plastic use, supporting recycling efforts, and advocating for cleaner environments can contribute to lowering microplastic exposure for current and future generations.
As the scientific community continues to explore the complex interactions between environmental toxins and human health, this study adds a crucial piece to the puzzle. Understanding how microplastics affect not only those directly exposed but also their descendants is vital for developing comprehensive health and environmental policies.
In conclusion, the link between paternal microplastic exposure and diabetes risk in offspring highlights a new dimension of the plastic pollution crisis. It emphasises the need for collective responsibility in tackling plastic waste and protecting the health of future generations.
Reference:
Park, S. H., Pan, J., Zhang, X., Lin, T.-A., Tang, S., Li, X., Cheloufi, S., Chen, Q., Zhou, T., & Zhou, C. (2025). Paternal microplastic exposure alters sperm small non-coding RNAs and affects offspring metabolic health in mice. Journal of the Endocrine Society. DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaf214
Source: University of California, Riverside | SciTechDaily summary