Microplastics found in the Human Brain
The findings of a recent scientific study published in The Guardian have revealed a deeply concerning reality: microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic smaller than 5mm, have been found in the human brain. The study describes the brain as “one of the most plastic-polluted tissues yet sampled.” For those who care about the environment and human health, this is a wake-up call.
Microplastics: A Ubiquitous Presence
Microplastics are everywhere. From the deepest parts of the ocean to the air we breathe, and now, alarmingly, in our bodies. Studies have found microplastics in human lungs, livers, kidneys, reproductive organs, and even bone marrow. But perhaps the most shocking discovery is the accumulation of these particles in the brain, a critical organ protected by the blood-brain barrier—a barrier that microplastics seem to be infiltrating.
The study has revealed that 24 of 91 brain samples examined contained an average of 0.5% plastic by weight. This discovery is alarming, not only because of the high concentration of plastic but also because of its potential health impacts. It is thought that microplastics in the brain could increase the risk of neurological disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as evidenced by the fact that brains from individuals with dementia contained significantly more plastic than those from healthy individuals.
The Health Risks
The health risks associated with microplastics are still being explored, but the emerging data is troubling. In animal studies, microplastics have been linked to fertility issues, various cancers, and disruptions to the endocrine and immune systems. There is also growing evidence that microplastics contribute to oxidative stress, leading to cell damage and inflammation, which can be precursors to cardiovascular disease.
In human studies, microplastics have been detected in a wide range of tissues, including reproductive organs, where their presence raises serious concerns about long-term health impacts. For instance, microplastics have been found in the semen and testicles, suggesting a potential link to reproductive issues.
The Environmental Connection
The accumulation of microplastics in the human body mirrors the increasing levels of plastic pollution in the environment. The plastic found in our brains is not just a health issue—it’s an environmental one, too. Plastic production is on the rise, and without significant changes to how we manage plastic waste, the problem will only get worse.
What Can I Do?
As individuals, we can take steps to reduce our exposure to microplastics. Simple actions, like avoiding plastic when preparing food, drinking tap water instead of bottled water, and reducing our use of single-use plastics, can make a difference.
However, personal actions alone are not enough. This is a global crisis that requires coordinated action at the international level. The United Nations Environment Program has begun working toward a global treaty to end plastic pollution which, if adopted and enacted by every country in the world as planned, will eventually end plastic pollution for good. Meantime, we encourage everyone to unleash the power of 3:
- Take 3 pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, waterway… or anywhere
- Take 3 actions to reduce your plastic footprint
- Take 3 people on the journey with you