Recent research has uncovered a disturbing increase in plastic pollution within human brains. According to a preprint published in May 2024, brain samples collected during autopsies in early 2024 contained 50% more tiny plastic shards than those from eight years earlier. This finding, which comes from a study led by Matthew Campen, a regents' professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of New Mexico, indicates that modern brains are increasingly contaminated by microplastics. The concentration of plastics in brain tissue was found to be 4,800 micrograms per gram, equating to 0.5% by weight, significantly higher than previous measurements.
The study's methodology involved examining brain, kidney, and liver tissues from 92 individuals who underwent forensic autopsies to determine cause of death. This analysis revealed that brain tissues contained between 7% and 30% more microplastic particles compared to kidneys and liver. Campen noted that the smallest nanoplastics, ranging from 100 to 200 nanometers, were more likely to be found in brain tissue, while larger particles were more commonly detected in the liver and kidneys.
Phoebe Stapleton, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Rutgers University, emphasizes that while the increased presence of microplastics in brain tissue is concerning, it does not necessarily correlate with brain damage or disease. She points out that further research is needed to determine how these particles interact with neurological tissues and their potential toxicological effects.
Dr. Philip Landrigan, a pediatrician and professor of biology at Boston College, stresses that while the increase in plastic particles is notable, the science on the health impacts of microplastics is still developing. He advises against alarmism but acknowledges that it is prudent to minimize exposure to avoidable plastics, such as those found in plastic bags and bottles. Landrigan's work, including a March 2023 report from the Minderoo – Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health, underscores the pervasive nature of plastic pollutants and their association with various health risks.
The study also highlights that polyethylene, a common plastic found in bags and bottles, was the most prevalent type of plastic in brain samples. This aligns with other research by Campen, who has also found polyethylene in human and animal testicles. The production of polyethylene, along with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), contributes to environmental pollution, including the release of harmful solvents like 1,4-dioxane.
Diet and air exposure are significant routes for microplastic entry into the human body. Landrigan notes that microplastics can be ingested through contaminated food and water or inhaled from airborne particles, such as those generated from tire wear or ocean waves. The predominant presence of polyethylene in brain tissue further highlights the urgent need for continued investigation into the long-term health impacts of microplastic exposure.
This increasing trend of plastic contamination in human tissues underscores the broader issue of environmental pollution and its potential health ramifications. The scientific community continues to explore how these microplastics affect human health, especially regarding their accumulation in sensitive areas like the brain.
