Researchers made a shocking discovery that microplastics are not only pervasive in the environment but are also infiltrating critical human organs, including the brain.
A growing body of evidence revealed that these tiny plastic particles have been detected in the lungs, placentas, reproductive organs, livers, kidneys, joints, blood vessels, and even bone marrow.
The most alarming findings come from a study led by Matthew Campen, a professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of New Mexico.
He expressed his surprise at the extent of microplastics in the brain, stating, “It’s pretty alarming. There’s much more plastic in our brains than I ever would have imagined or been comfortable with.”
In a recent examination of 24 brain samples collected in early 2024, researchers found that these samples contained an average of 0.5% plastic by weight. Some samples, particularly those from individuals who had died of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, contained up to ten times more plastic, suggesting a potential link between microplastics and neurodegenerative diseases.
Sedat Gündoğdu, a microplastics researcher at Cukurova University in Turkey, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “It is now imperative to declare a global emergency” to combat plastic pollution.
The exact impact of these microplastics on human health remains uncertain, but there is growing concern among scientists. Previous studies have already associated microplastics with fertility issues, disrupted immune systems, impaired memory, and an increase in cancer rates among young people.
As microplastics continue to accumulate in the environment, the situation is expected to worsen, highlighting the critical need for immediate action to address this emerging threat.
How do microplastics get into our bodies?
Microplastics enter our bodies primarily through two entry routes: ingestion and inhalation. Contaminated food and water are significant sources; studies have found microplastics in fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
Agricultural practices contribute to this contamination, as sewage sludge containing microplastics is used as fertilizer, and plastic-coated fertilizers and mulch films further introduce particles into crops “Agricultural fields in Europe and North America are estimated to receive far higher quantities of microplastics than global oceans,” said Sophie Vonk, a researcher at the Plastic Soup Foundation.
Microplastics are also present in drinking water, whether from tap or bottled sources, with estimates suggesting that people may consume tens of thousands of particles annually.
Airborne microplastics pose another significant risk. Research shows that indoor air can contain higher concentrations of microplastic fibers than outdoor environments. This suggests that simply breathing may expose us to more microplastics than consuming certain foods.
Presence of microplastics in human lung tissue confirms that we inhale these particles.
Babies might be at higher risk, as studies indicate they could ingest microplastics through breast milk, plastic feeding bottles, and teething toys.
While microplastics are pervasive in our environment, they appear unable to penetrate the skin, except when it is damaged.