Scientists have made a startling discovery the human brain may contain an entire spoonful of nanoplastics, according to a new study published in Nature Medicine. Researchers found “unbelievable” concentrations of microplastics and nanoplastics in brain samples collected at autopsy in early 2024, revealing a concerning increase in plastic accumulation over time.
Compared to other organs, the brain samples contained seven to 30 times more tiny plastic particles than the kidneys and liver, suggesting that the brain might be particularly vulnerable to these microscopic pollutants.
“The concentrations we saw in the brain tissue of normal individuals, who had an average age of around 45 or 50 years old, were 4,800 micrograms per gram, or 0.48% by weight,” explained Matthew Campen, co-lead author of the study and professor at the University of New Mexico. “That’s the equivalent of an entire standard plastic spoon,” he told.
Even more concerning, researchers noted a 50% increase in brain plastic content compared to autopsy samples from 2016. “That would mean that our brains today are 99.5% brain and the rest is plastic,” Campen added.
Microplastics and Dementia: A Possible Connection?
One of the most alarming findings was that brains from individuals with dementia contained even higher levels of microplastics than those without the disease.
“It’s a little bit alarming,” Campen admitted, but he clarified that dementia weakens the blood-brain barrier and clearance mechanisms, potentially making it easier for plastics to accumulate in affected brains. However, he cautioned against jumping to conclusions: “We do not currently suggest that microplastics could cause the disease.”
Independent experts echoed this caution. Phoebe Stapleton, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Rutgers University, who was not involved in the study, emphasized that finding plastics in the brain does not necessarily mean they are harmful. “Further research is needed to understand how the particles interact with brain cells and whether they have toxic effects,” she said.
How Do Plastics Enter the Human Body?
Microplastics and nanoplastics tiny fragments resulting from the breakdown of plastic packaging, clothing fibers, tires, and other materials are now found across the planet, from deep-sea trenches to the air we breathe. Studies have previously detected them in human blood, lungs, placentas, and even poop, raising growing concerns about their long-term health effects.
While much remains unknown about the consequences of plastic infiltration in the brain, scientists agree that the rising levels of microplastics in human tissues warrant urgent investigation into potential neurological risks.
