A new study from the University of New Mexico found that microplastics are rapidly accumulating in the brain, faster than other major organs in the body. What does this mean? Toxicologist Matthew Campen, PhD, Distinguished and Regents’ Professor in the UNM College of Pharmacy, says that what he’s seeing is a mirror effect, that the more plastic we see out in the world, the more we see it in human bodies. Here are some of the main concepts to know from the study.
How did the study of microplastics in the brain come about?
Indirectly, this study happened because Elaine Bearer, MD, PhD, Neuropathologist at the University of New Mexico, who is studying brain tissue samples from dementia patients, noticed many “strange brown lumpy things” she couldn’t identify when observing the brain samples under a microscope. She enlisted support to identify the materials, which were ultimately found to be 200 nanometer-sized plastic chards.
Why does the brain accumulate microplastics?
The study, which looked at liver, kidney, placenta, testes, and brain microplastic accumulation, took tissue samples from 2016 and 2024 and compared their growth rates, finding a 50% increase in plastic accumulation on average in the brain compared to other organs.
Researchers aren’t 100% sure yet; however, it has been confirmed that plastics are attracted to fat (lipophilic), and the average adult brain is comprised of 60% fat.
What types of microplastic were primarily found in the brain?
Twelve different polymers were found, and the most common of them was polyethylene. Find out more about PET plastic here. Polyethylene is commonly used in food, beverages, and personal care items. packaging.
What is the rate of accumulation of microplastic in the brain?
This study found that the concentration of microplastics in human brains has increased by 50% over the past eight years.
What are the potential risks of having nano-sized plastic particles in the brain?
The exact outcome of having this much plastic in the brain is still being researched. The study identifies potential risks, which include the potential to obstruct blood flow in the capillaries (the very diverse blood vessels the microplastic particle interference with axons in the brain, which are the long nerve cells (neurons) that enable communication between the brain and other parts of the body.
How do microplastics enter our bodies?
There are two main ways plastic enters the body: through the foods and beverages we consume and through the air. Microplastics are airborne and can be inhaled. Below are some ways plastics can enter our bodies, either through direct contamination from microplastics or indirectly from plastic packaging or cutlery that comes into contact with food.
- Seafood
- Plastic Bottled Water
- Plastic Packaging
- Plastic Kitchenware and Utensils
- Dermatological and Cosmetic Products
- Airborne Particles
- Meat and Dairy Products
- Fruits and Vegetables (from plastic-polluted irrigation)
How can industries take responsibility for reducing plastic pollution?
Reduce plastic exposure via packaging and consider how plastics are more readily absorbed in the body. Heat increases the rate at which chemicals from plastic containers, like single-use plastic bottled water, leach into water, the same as in plastic food containers.
Microplastics are attracted to fats or lipids. Industries providing people with consumable food and beverages can use other materials like cardboard and aluminum to reduce plastic exposure.
How can people reduce their exposure to microplastics in daily life?
According to UC San Francisco Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences Tracey Woodruff, PhD, MPH, there are several ways to reduce exposure and minimize the harm from microplastics.
- Avoid microwaving in plastic because heat releases harmful chemicals; use glass or ceramic instead.
- Avoid plastic water bottles that can leach chemicals.
- Use water filters that remove microplastics.
- Store food in glass containers when possible to limit plastic contact and reduce exposure to microplastics.
- Reduce red meat consumption since harmful chemicals tend to accumulate in animal fat.
- Eat lower on the food chain by choosing more grains, fruits, and vegetables to avoid toxic buildup in animals.
- Opt for organic foods when possible to reduce exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
- Use non-toxic cleaning products like vinegar and water or baking soda and water instead of chemical cleaners.
- Ensure your vacuum has a HEPA filter to control dust that may contain microplastics.
- Check household products for safer alternatives designated by the EPA’s Safer Choice program.
- Engage in policy and advocacy to support regulations that limit plastic pollution.
- Vote for stronger environmental protections to help ensure safer consumer products and policies.
Plastics have their place and are an important invention that has helped advance specific fields, but single-use plastics have been overproduced and need to be curbed from our environment and our bodies, which reflects their exposure. Reducing single-use plastic items can help lower personal plastic accumulation and the buildup we see in the world. Reuse and refill wherever possible to cut down on plastic waste. PATH is here to help you do just that.
Resources
https://hsc.unm.edu/news/2025/02/hsc-newsroom-post-microplastics-human-brains.html
https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(22)00523-X/fulltext
https://drinkpathwater.com/blogs/news/what-exactly-is-pet-plastic
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/programs/geh/geh_newsletter/2022/6/spotlight/microplastics_may_increase_risk_for_obesity
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/anatomy-of-the-brain#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20brain%20made,%2C%20protein%2C%20carbohydrates%20and%20salts.