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A new study published in Nature Medicine suggests that microplastic particles accumulate at higher levels in the human brain compared to the kidney and liver. The findings also indicate a significant rise in microplastic concentrations in brain tissue samples from 2024 compared to those from 2016, raising concerns about the potential long-term effects of environmental plastic exposure on human health.
Increasing Presence of Microplastics in Human Tissues
Over the past 50 years, the global concentration of environmental nano- and microplastics—ranging in size from 1 nanometer to 500 micrometers—has increased exponentially. While previous studies have identified these plastic particles in human tissues using visual microscopic spectroscopy, these methods are generally limited to particles larger than 5 micrometers.
In the latest study, researcher Matthew Campen and colleagues used advanced analytical techniques to detect and quantify micro- and nanoparticles in liver, kidney, and brain tissue samples from human autopsies performed in 2016 and 2024. A total of 52 brain samples—28 from 2016 and 24 from 2024—were analyzed.
Findings: A Surge in Brain Microplastic Accumulation
The researchers found that while the concentrations of plastic particles in liver and kidney samples remained relatively stable in 2016, brain tissues from the same period exhibited significantly higher concentrations. More alarmingly, liver and brain samples from 2024 contained considerably higher amounts of microplastics compared to those from 2016. A comparative analysis of older brain tissue samples from 1997 to 2013 further supported this trend, showing an increase in plastic accumulation over time.
Another noteworthy discovery was the presence of higher concentrations of micro- and nanoplastic particles in the brains of individuals diagnosed with dementia compared to those without such a diagnosis. However, researchers emphasize that these findings establish only an association, not a causal link between plastic particles and neurological conditions.
Implications and the Need for Further Research
The authors of the study caution that the exact health implications of microplastic accumulation in the human brain remain unclear. They also highlight the possibility of geographic variations influencing the findings, as the tissue samples were obtained from locations in New Mexico and the US East Coast.
Given the growing presence of microplastics in human tissues, the researchers stress the need for long-term studies involving larger and more diverse populations to better understand the trends and potential health risks associated with microplastic exposure.
Disclaimer
The findings of this study establish an association between microplastic accumulation and human brain tissue but do not confirm a causal relationship with any health conditions. Further research is required to determine the full extent of the potential effects of environmental plastics on human health.
Reference: Alexander J. Nihart et al, Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains, Nature Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03453-1
