A comment by Vessi, who is knowledgeable about the subject, in HS, 22 Feb 2026.

Molecules are also released from microplastics that disrupt hormonal function.

This, in turn, leads to issues such as weight gain and various diseases, and affects reproductive, sexual, hormonal, and overall sexual health.

Prof. Shanna Swan published a highly alarming book on the subject, Count Down (2021). In it, this leading pioneer researcher admonishes humanity for its indifference toward a phenomenon that has been known for 20 years and that is contributing to the collapse of biodiversity and population structures worldwide. The weakening “feminization” of males is also attributed to this. Hormone disruption can make some women more masculinized as well.

In forests, the main cause of biodiversity loss is not forest management, but hormone disruption caused by EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals). Yet political narrow-mindedness still fails to take the EDC problem seriously.

Birds, animals, and insects living near bodies of water are at greatest risk. Water is an efficient transporter of microplastics, and they have also been found to spread through air currents.

With good and informed lifestyle choices that reduce exposure to EDCs, consumers can lower their exposure by at least 95%. Unfortunately, there is little public support for this issue. Only a few of the worst chemicals have been banned. Hundreds of others remain, and no real limits have been placed on the growing consumption of plastics.

Based on various observations, it is expected that the increasing presence of microplastics in Antarctica will also lead to a decline in the reproduction of the local midge species.