New Study Indicates Rising Concentration of Microplastic in Human Brain and Liver

The majority of microplastic and nanoplastic found in tissues consist of polyethylene, a commonly used variety of plastic.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): A new study conducted by researchers from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, New Mexico suggests drastically rising concentration of microplastic and nanoplastic in human brain and liver in 2024, as compared to 2016.

The study, which was published earlier this week in Nature Medicine, was titled 'Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains.' It suggests that the amount of time that people are exposed to these health risks is increasing annually. Additionally, the study's analysis of samples from 1997 revealed comparable results.

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Polyethylene, a widely used type of plastic, makes up the majority of the microplastic and nanoplastic that is discovered in tissues. Compared to livers or kidneys, the amounts in normal deceased brain samples were 7–30 times higher. Additionally, the study discovered much higher levels of microplastic and nanoplastic in brain samples from dementia patients.

In order to determine if microplastics and nanoplastics contribute to neurological illnesses and other human health problems, the study urges more investigation.

Particles 5 millimeters or less are called microplastics, whereas particles 1 millimeter or less are called nanoparticles. These are mostly produced by the environmental breakdown of bigger polymers.