Plastic traces were discovered in the brains of 54 individuals in the United States. However, specialists indicate that not enough information exists 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 from 2016 to 2024.
The study, published in Nature Medicine, Discovered that brain tissue taken from human corpses in 2016 had significantly greater amounts of plastic particles compared to both liver and kidney samples.
Micro and nanoplastics are minuscule — generally measuring around 200 nanometers in length, 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 does not originate from recent contamination but rather stems from long-standing degradation processes," said study author Marcus Garcia from the University of New Mexico, U.S., to Candraokey News. This underscores the necessity for broader approaches integrating both environmental policies and public health considerations.
Nevertheless, there is currently "no substantial proof indicating 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 just 52 samples altogether. According to Jones, this limited dataset is insufficient to draw strong conclusions about the prevalence 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 households, the very air we inhale, the meals we consume, and the containers we use for drinking.
Microplastics are bits of broken-down plastic. Most often, the Plastics get into our bodies via consumption or breathing. They have been seen in human tissues for many years, however, their impact on health is only now starting to be recorded.
Some evidence suggests 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 doesn’t 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.
"Concrete proof connecting the buildup of microplastics to particular human illnesses or health effects is not yet available," 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 have also exaggerated the levels of microplastics found in the brain tissues of the deceased individuals.
Jones additionally pointed out 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 results as polyethylene [the predominant type of plastic reported],” and raised doubts about potential plastic contamination originating either from the lab 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 within the human body, rather than being merely 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 and which biological pathways they follow," explained Garcia.
Scientists are still uncertain whether our bodies can inherently eliminate microplastics from the brain and other organs. Additionally, it remains unknown if there are processes that could assist in breaking down these microplastics within the body.
"Definitely, additional research would be necessary to determine whether this approach could actually work. It remains unclear if microplastics or any other particulates would remain in the brain or if the body would eliminate them. Once again, further investigation would be required to explore this possibility," 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