Study Finds Human Brains May Contain a Spoonful of Nanoplastics

A new study in Nature Medicine reveals surprising findings: the human brain may contain as much plastic as a standard-sized spoon. This discovery came after researchers analyzed brain samples collected during autopsies in early 2024.

The researchers described the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in the brain as "unbelievable." These tiny plastic fragments have formed from the breakdown of common items such as packaging, containers, tires, and even clothing. Previous studies had already detected them in human blood, lungs, poop, and placentas.

However, the latest findings point to even more concerning developments. The research showed that the amount of microplastics found in brain samples increases over time. On average, the brain samples contained seven to 30 times more plastic particles than the kidneys and liver of the same individuals.

Matthew Campen, a professor at the University of New Mexico and co-lead author of the study, explained, "The concentrations we found in brain tissue from people around 45 to 50 years old were about 4,800 micrograms per gram or 0.48% by weight. That’s roughly equal to an entire standard plastic spoon."

He added that when comparing current brain samples to those collected in 2016, the amount of plastic had increased by 50%. "That suggests our brains today are 99.5% brain and the rest is plastic," he said.

Interestingly, the study found that microplastic levels were even higher in the brains of deceased patients who had dementia compared to those without the disease. Professor Campen explained that this might be because dementia affects how the brain clears out waste materials.

"In dementia, the blood-brain barrier doesn’t work as well, and there’s often inflammation and brain tissue shrinkage. This could create a place where plastics gather," he noted.

Even so, Campen urged caution. "We don’t want people to jump to conclusions. The plastics are probably higher because of the disease, not the cause of it," he clarified.

Phoebe Stapleton, an expert from Rutgers University who was not involved in the study, echoed this view. She stressed that finding plastic in the brain doesn't necessarily prove it causes harm. "We still don’t know if these particles just come and go or if they get stuck and cause damage," she said.

Further research will be needed to fully understand how these plastic fragments interact with brain cells and whether they could be harmful in the long run. Until then, scientists continue to explore the effects of plastics on the human body and how we can reduce exposure to these tiny but persistent pollutants.

Feb. 7, 2025 {{ Blogdetails.schedule_date|time }} 359

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