Plastic traces were discovered in the brains of 54 individuals in the United States. However, specialists indicate that there isn't enough information available regarding the health impacts or the prevalence of microplastics within the brain.
A recent study has revealed that micro- and nanoplastics detected in human brains and livers have risen between 2016 and 2024.
The study, published in Nature Medicine, discovered that brain samples taken from human corpses in 2016 had significantly higher levels of plastic particles compared to those found in the liver and kidneys.
Micro and nanoplastics are minuscule — usually about 200 nanometers long, and significantly smaller than a human cell.
A study conducted on corpses from 2024 revealed significantly greater levels in both brain and liver tissues when contrasted with those from 2016.
"Our hypothesis suggests that much of this plastic originates from very old degradation processes rather than recent contamination. This underscores the necessity for broader approaches integrating both environmental policies and public health concerns," said study author Marcus Garcia from the University of New Mexico, US, to INSPIRATIONS DIGITAL.
Nevertheless, there is currently "no substantial proof of any health impacts [from nanoplastics in the brain]," stated Oliver Jones, a specialist in biological chemistry from the University of Melbourne, Australia, who did not participate in the research.
The researchers tested a total of 52 samples. According to Jones, this limited dataset is insufficient to draw strong conclusions about the presence of microplastics specifically in New Mexico, much less on a global scale.
Researchers are unclear about how microplastics adversely affect brain health.
Plastics inundate our planet — found in residences, the atmosphere we inhale, the sustenance we consume, and the containers we use for beverages.
Microplastics consist of fragments of degraded plastics. Typically, these come from Plastics get into our systems via consumption or breathing. They have been present in human organs for many years, however, their impact on health is only now starting to be recorded.
Some findings suggest that the buildup of microplastics, particularly within vital organs such as the liver, may disrupt typical physiological processes.
The data from the research also revealed that the concentration of microplastics was greater in the brains of 12 individuals suffering from dementia.
The authors, however, state that this connection is merely correlational and does not establish that microplastics lead to dementia. Further investigation is required to determine whether, or in what manner, the buildup of microplastics in the brain adversely affects health—similarly to the way studies are exploring their impact elsewhere in the body.
"Detailed proof connecting the buildup of microplastics to particular human illnesses or health effects remains insufficient," Garcia stated.
Proving a cause-and-effect link [with dementia] would necessitate comprehensive studies to determine whether or how microplastics play a role in the onset or advancement of neurological disorders.
Research might exaggerate the buildup of microplastics.
Jones likewise advised being cautious when drawing conclusions from the findings of the research.
He mentioned that it's not feasible to generalize the findings from such a limited study to populations worldwide. The research might also have overstated the levels of microplastics found in the brain tissues of the deceased individuals.
Jones additionally mentioned that the primary analytical technique employed for measuring plastics tends to produce inaccurate outcomes since “fats [a major component of the brain] yield the same products as polyethylene [the predominant type of plastic reportedly found],” and raised doubts about potential plastic contamination originating either from the laboratory or during the initial autopsy process.
" Plastic pollution can be found virtually anywhere. ", how can we ensure that any detected particles truly indicate that plastics are penetrating cell membranes in the human body, rather than being mere contaminants?" Jones asked.
In what ways can microplastics enter or exit the brain?
The researchers suggest that their study introduces new queries regarding the possible effects of microplastics on brain health and whether these particles can be eliminated.
"The primary question revolves around comprehending the processes responsible for microplastic buildup in the brain — how these particles infiltrate it and which biological pathways they engage," explained Garcia.
Scientists have not yet determined whether our bodies can naturally eliminate microplastics from the brain and other organs. Additionally, it remains uncertain if there are processes that could assist in breaking down these particles within the body.
"Definitely, additional research would be required to determine whether this is feasible at all. It remains unclear if microplastics or any other particulates could remain in the brain or if they might be expelled by the body. Once again, further investigation would be necessary to explore this," stated Jones.
Edited by: Matthew Ward Agius
Primary source:
Accumulation of Microplastics in Deceased Individuals' Brains, Nature Medicine, February 2025 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03453-1
Author: Fred Schwaller
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