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Ontario, March 4 (IANS): A new study has issued a stark warning about the accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the human brain, revealing that an alarming amount—equivalent to a plastic spoon—may be embedded in brain tissue.
Published in the journal Brain Medicine, the research highlights that individuals with diagnosed dementia had MNP levels three to five times higher than those without the condition. Even more concerning, the study found that brain tissues contained MNP concentrations seven to thirty times higher than other organs, such as the liver and kidneys.
Dr. Nicholas Fabiano, from the University of Ottawa’s Department of Psychiatry and lead author of the commentary, described the findings as particularly disturbing. “The dramatic increase in brain microplastic concentrations over just eight years, from 2016 to 2024, mirrors the exponential rise in environmental microplastic levels,” he stated.
The study identified polyethylene as a predominant component of the detected particles, with those smaller than 200 nanometers showing notable deposition in cerebrovascular walls and immune cells. Due to their minute size, these particles are believed to be capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, raising concerns about their potential role in neurological disorders.
Researchers emphasized simple lifestyle changes that could significantly reduce microplastic intake. For instance, switching from bottled water to filtered tap water could lower annual exposure from 90,000 to just 4,000 particles. “Bottled water alone can expose people to nearly as many microplastic particles annually as all ingested and inhaled sources combined,” explained Dr. Brandon Luu, an Internal Medicine Resident at the University of Toronto.
Other notable sources of MNP exposure include plastic tea bags, which can release millions of microscopic particles per brewing session, and heating food in plastic containers, particularly in microwaves. Researchers recommend using glass or stainless-steel alternatives for food storage to limit plastic contamination.
While these recommendations may help curb microplastic exposure, Dr. Luu cautioned that further research is needed to determine whether reducing intake directly leads to lower accumulation in human tissues.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a research study and is for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to consult health professionals for concerns related to microplastic exposure and its health implications.
