What you need to know
Microplastics in the brain
A growing health risk?
New research from the University of New Mexico, in collaboration with several other institutions, has revealed that the brain may contain significantly higher levels of microplastics compared to other organs. Furthermore, the amount of plastic in the brain has increased by 50% over the past eight years. But how dangerous is plastic to human health?
Microplastics in the body: from lungs to brain
Microplastics have been found in various parts of the body for some time now. From the lungs and liver to our blood and placentas: our bodies are full of them. Now, it appears that our brains also contain significant amounts of microplastics. The study, published in the prestigious Nature Medicine, analyzed tissue samples from 47 bodies and discovered that brain tissue contained up to ten times more microplastics than liver and kidney tissue. The average microplastic content in the brain was about 4,800 micrograms per gram, equivalent to the amount found in a plastic spoon.
The dangers of microplastics: smaller than a virus
The danger of this development lies primarily in the tiny size of the plastic particles. Some are only 200 nanometers in size, which is only slightly larger than a virus. This allows them to easily pass through the blood-brain barrier, a natural filter that protects the brain from harmful substances. This means that microplastics may enter the brain directly, where they could cause unknown effects.
What do microplastics do to our brain?
What exactly microplastics do to our brain is still largely unknown. However, researchers suspect that the physical presence of the particles may be harmful, aside from any chemicals they may contain. For example, microplastics could disrupt blood flow in the brain or even contribute to the buildup of proteins that play a role in neurological conditions such as dementia.
There is already some evidence supporting this theory: people with dementia had up to ten times as many microplastics in their brains compared to healthy individuals. However, this does not automatically mean that plastic causes the disease. It could also be that the disease process itself leads to faster accumulation of the particles in the brain.
How do we ingest microplastics?
Microplastics can enter our bodies in several ways. The main routes are through the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.
Food and Water: microplastics enter the environment through the breakdown of larger plastic items and end up in the sea, rivers, and lakes. They are often found in marine animals such as fish and shellfish, which we eat. These particles can then enter our bodies via the digestive system. Scientists are concerned that microplastics may carry harmful substances like heavy metals, toxic chemicals, or contaminants that can accumulate in the body.
Air: microplastics can also enter the body through the air. They can float in the atmosphere, especially in urban or industrial environments. When inhaled, the particles can enter the lungs, where they may cause inflammation. This could contribute to respiratory issues, asthma, or even lung diseases in the long term.
Potential effects on the immune system
In addition to the mentioned effects on the lungs and brain, there are concerns about the impact of microplastics on the immune system. Animal studies have shown that microplastics can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, which could lead to chronic health issues. Additionally, disruption of the gut microbiota could contribute to digestive problems and affect overall health.
What are the long-term effects?
Because microplastics are small and persistent, they may stay in the body for an extended period. However, much uncertainty remains about the long-term effects of microplastic exposure. Much of the existing research currently focuses on short-term effects and animal studies. Therefore, more research is urgently needed to understand the potential long-term consequences for human health.
A growing health risk
Although we do not yet fully understand how microplastics affect human health, it is clear that they pose a potential threat. The health effects will likely depend on the concentration, size, and composition of the microplastics a person is exposed to. Scientists continue to monitor the situation closely, and more research is needed to assess the risks and develop effective protective measures.
For now, it is important to remain aware of plastic pollution in our environment and its potential impact on our health. The more we learn, the better we can protect ourselves from the dangers of microplastics.
Also read Microplastic & health – The Ocean Movement
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