A study, conducted on cerebral tissue samples from autopsies performed between 1997 and 2024, found a high presence of microplastics in the human brain (on average as much as a teaspoon)
In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted the presence of microplastics in various organs and fabrics of the human body. These tiny particles, deriving from the fragmentation of plastic materials, were found in the blood, in the lungs, in the placenta and even in the human sperm. Their “omnipresence” worries – and not a little – regarding potential effects on human health.
But How many microplastics accumulate in the brain? A recent study, conducted by the University of New Mexico and published on Nature Medicinehas deepened precisely this aspect. The researchers analyzed brain, liver samples and kidneys from 52 autopsies made between 2016 and 2024.
The results
The results were disconcerting: in fact they revealed that the cerebral tissue samples contained concentrations of microplastics significantly higher than the other organs examined, with average levels equal to about 7 grams, equivalent more or less to the weight of a teaspoon.
More specifically, the study highlighted that The concentrations of microplastics in the brain were 7 to 30 times higher than those found in the liver and kidneys. In addition, comparing the samples collected in 2016 with those of 2024, a 50% increase emerged in the presence of these particles in the brain tissue, which reflects the sad reality: an increase in environmental exposure to microplastics over time.
Another very interesting data and not to be underestimated is that the brain of individuals with dementia contained three to five times more microplastics compared to that of those who did not suffer from the disease. Although a causal link has not been established between the two conditions, researchers consider this data significant and suggest further investigations.
But how do microplastics arrive in the brain?
Microplastics can enter the human body through the ingestion of contaminated foods, the inhalation of particles present in the air and the use of products containing plastic. Once in the circulatory system, these particles can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain tissue.
Obviously, The presence of microplastics in the brain is particularly worryinggiven the sensitivity of this organ and its crucial role in vital functions. Among other things, while liver and kidneys are emunctive organs that dispose of toxins from our body, the brain, which is not yet clear if it has an equally effective mechanism to dispose of these substances, is more at risk of storage.
According to scientists, it is essential to better understand the mechanisms through which these particles penetrate the brain and their possible health effects. Some studies on animal models have suggested that microplastics they could interfere with blood circulation and cause neurological damagebut there is still no definitive evidence on human beings.
Polyethylene is the most present type of plastic
The polyethylenea material commonly used in food packaging and plastic bags, it was found to be the most present type of plastic in the samples analyzed, constituting about 75% of the particles detected. Experts stressed that the increase in microplastics in the brain reflect the growing production and dissemination of plastic in recent decades.
Although the research is still at the beginning, the results of the study we have told you about highlight the need to deepen the link between microplastics and neurological diseases, as well as developing strategies to reduce their diffusion in the environment and in the human body. Reduce plastic pollution It could limit human exposure to these particles, a necessity that seems increasingly urgent.
