A study conducted by US researchers has brought forth some more worrying information about microplastics — people who died in 2024 were found to have higher levels of microplastic and nanoplastic (MNP) concentrations in the brain and liver, than those in 2016. This suggests that, as the years pass, human exposure to these health hazards is growing.
The study, titled ‘Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains’, was conducted by researchers from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, New Mexico, and published in Nature Medicine earlier this week. The researchers extended the timeframe of their study by analysing samples as far back as 1997, and found the same outcome: growing concentration of MNPs in the human body as the years pass.
“The present data suggest a trend of increasing MNP concentrations in the brain and liver. The majority of MNPs found in tissues consist of PE (polyethylene, a commonly used plastics) and appear to be nanoplastic shards or flakes,” the writers noted in the study. “MNP concentrations in normal decedent brain samples were 7-30 times greater than the concentrations seen in livers or kidneys, and brain samples from dementia cases exhibited even greater MNP presence,” they added, but noted that the data are “associative and do not establish a causal role for such particles affecting health”.
Specifically with regard to the dementia findings, the researchers noted that “atrophy of brain tissue, impaired blood–brain barrier integrity and poor clearance mechanisms are hallmarks of dementia and would be anticipated to increase MNP concentrations; thus, no causality is assumed from these findings”.
The researchers have called for deeper study into the subject “to understand whether MNPs have a role in neurological disorders or other human health effects”.
“Given the exponentially rising environmental presence of MNPs, these data compel a much larger effort to understand whether MNPs have a role in neurological disorders or other human health effects,” say the study authors.
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Plastic Age: A Destructive Truth
We live in the Plastic Age, surrounded by plastic in our food, homes, food packaging, cloth fibres, and environment. While plastics made our lives incredibly easier (can’t do without toothbrushes, car parts, shoes, storage containers, and computers) — there is no denying that it is also harming the planet. Yet, a solution to this growing problem that mankind created evades the species.
What Are Microplastics And Nanoplastics (MNPs)?
MNPs are incredibly tiny bits of plastic that break off or shed from larger products.
Microplastics: Particles that are 5 millimetres or smaller. They include the remnants of plastic as it degrades, and products such as some exfoliants added to facewashes and scrubs.
Nanoplastics: Particles that are 1 millimetre or smaller and are created from the breakdown of larger plastics in the environment.
Microplastics pervade the soil, air, and water. Microplastics have been found in the blood, saliva, liver, kidneys, placenta and even breastmilk of humans, while nanoplastics have been found in the upper airways of humans and in most food and water.
These tiny monsters have made their way into many of the tissues of our bodies, including our brain, reproductive organs (both male and female), and cardiovascular system, said Dr Leonardo Trasande, the director of environmental paediatrics and the vice-chair for paediatric research at NYU School of Medicine as he spoke to CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr Sanjay Gupta on his podcast ‘Chasing Life’.
“It’s much more pervasive than meets the eye… We eat a lot of plastic. We inhale a lot of plastic” in the form of dust, Trasande said. “We literally use cosmetics that reabsorb in our body… We’ve just come to accept plastic as normal. And it’s not normal,” Dr Trasande said.
Dr Trasande has spent the last two decades studying how environmental exposures, including to microplastics, affect our health. Here’s what he told CNN about how to realistically reduce our exposure and the future of combating microplastics.
Chemicals That Leak from Plastics
Plastics contain harmful chemicals like phthalates, bisphenols, and PFAS, which can disrupt hormones and affect growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Some are added to make plastic flexible or durable, while others sneak in as impurities.
While plastic-makers claim safety, and the US Food and Drug Administration says current levels don’t seem harmful, concerns remain. Want to reduce exposure? Trasande shared five tips.
Earlier, a chemical named bisphenol A (BPA) was commonly used in the lining of many metal food and drink cans, lids and caps. Though BPA has mostly been removed from food-can linings, it’s still used in about 5% of cases, possibly more. Its common replacement, bisphenol S, may be just as harmful, and has leached into the environment as well. Some cans now use plant-based resins like oleoresin, but their safety is unclear. If given a choice, opt for oleoresin-lined cans — but the best option is to avoid cans altogether and choose glass, stainless steel, or fresh foods instead.
- Keep Plastic Away From Heat and Harsh Cleaners
Heat and strong cleaners can break down plastic, making it unsafe. Beware of misnomers and misleading promises such as “microwave-safe” or “dishwasher-safe” plastics. There is no truth to these claims and they only mean that when subject to the specific form of heat, the plastic won’t warp — not that it won’t release chemicals. During the use period, plastic sheds tiny particles and chemicals, especially when heated, which can seep into your food. Scratched or cracked plastic, like worn-out cutting boards or lids, should be thrown out, as they increase the risk of chemical leaching.
- Avoid Plastics Marked 3, 6, and 7
Check the recycling number on plastic containers. These numbers will help you to find out what kind of plastic you’re dealing with.
→ ‘3 (PVC)’ may contain phthalates, linked to health risks like cancer, heart disease, and reproductive issues.
→ ‘6 (Polystyrene)’ can release styrene, a possible carcinogen.
—> ‘7 (Other)’ is unpredictable, making it risky.
For single-use plastic bottles, recycle them after one use — they’re not made for repeated wear and may leach chemicals or grow bacteria if not washed properly.
Opt for stainless steel or cast iron instead of non-stick cookware, which is often coated with Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as PTFE). When heated, non-stick coatings can release harmful chemicals like PFOA, linked to cancer, hormone issues, and developmental problems. Scratched or damaged pans increase the risk of these chemicals leaching into food. Non-stick coatings contain PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’, which can contaminate water supplies. As Trasande put it, “What you think isn’t plastic may actually be plastic.”
- Hidden Source Of Microplastics: Household Dust
Regularly vacuum with a HEPA filter, and use a wet mop to reduce dust, which carries tiny plastic particles. These microplastics come from clothing, furniture, carpets, and protective coatings like water repellents and flame retardants. Since plastic is everywhere, dust collects it from various sources. Air filters can also help by trapping microplastics while reducing bacteria and viruses like those that cause colds and flu.
The writer is a senior independent journalist.
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