New Study: Microplastics Are Passing the Blood-Brain Barrier

This paper provides clear evidence that micro- and nanoplastics are indeed in the human brain.

Professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Rutgers University, Phoebe Stapleton, regarding a new study showing evidence of microplastics in human brains.

Why It Matters: A new study published in Nature Medicine reveals that tiny plastic particles, called microplastics, are making their way into human brains, which could be harmful to one’s health. Researchers studied brain, liver and kidney samples and found microplastics in every brain sample, with levels increasing by 50% from 2016 to 2024.

What To Know:

• Microplastics come from plastic bags, water bottles and synthetic clothing. These tiny pieces enter the body through air, food and water.

• Electron microscopes showed the brain had up to 30 times more microplastics than other organs, such as the liver and kidneys. While previous studies found microplastics in the brain, this recent research shows that microplastics are reaching deeper into the brain.

• Mice exposed to microplastics in water showed cognitive changes resembling early Alzheimer’s symptoms. However, researchers caution that in humans, high microplastic levels in dementia patients may be a consequence of the disease rather than a cause. Experts say more research is needed to determine the direct health effects.

Matthew Campen, a lead author of the research, said no one is free from the risks of microplastics. “There are no control groups. Everyone is exposed.” (The Washington Post)

How To Avoid Microplastics:

• Avoid single-use plastics, especially food and beverage packaging and to-go containers that shed microplastics into what we eat and drink. Have a glass or steel water bottle to avoid buying plastic bottles.
• Instead of plastic cutting boards, choose wooden or other non-plastic options. 
• Replace your plastic storage containers with glass or other non-plastic options. Heat increases the release of microplastics, so avoid placing hot foods and drinks in plastic or microwaving food in plastic containers or dishes.
• Vacuum your home frequently; this can suck up the microplastics that may be inhaled.
• Avoid clothing made from synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester and acrylic and opt for natural fabrics like wool, silk or organic cotton. Additionally, using fiber-catching filters, microfiber laundry bags or laundry balls can help trap or prevent microplastic shedding, while air-drying clothes minimizes fiber breakdown.

Read More: Our brains are filling with more and more microplastics, study shows (The Washington Post)

Study finds high levels of microplastics in human brains that appear to be increasing over time (CBS News)

Image Credit: Adobe Stock / Microgen