Microplastics in people's brains increased by 50% in 8 years, study finds

FILE-A biologist looks at microplastics found in sea species at a research center. (Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Human brains have higher levels of microplastics compared to other organs. 

In a new study, University of New Mexico Health Sciences researchers found that these particles are growing quickly, increasing by 50% in the brain over the past eight years.

Researchers also determined that people with dementia had up to 10 times as much plastic in their brains compared to those with healthy brains, but the team in the study noted that additional research is necessary to determine a connection between the two. 

Findings for the study were published in the scientific journal Nature

How was data collected?

Researchers compared liver, kidney and brain tissue samples from autopsies performed between 2016 and 2024 and found higher amounts of microplastics in the 2024 brain tissue samples. 

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The team also conducted an assessment on older and recent autopsies for individuals with a confirmed dementia diagnosis who died and discovered "far greater" concentrations of microplastics. 

According to the study, the most common microplastic researchers found was polyethylene, which is used in packaging materials like bottles and cups. 

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are plastic particles ranging in size from 5 millimeters, which is about the size of a pencil eraser, to 1 nanometer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency

The agency noted that microplastics are manufactured in small sizes for their use in consumer products, like cosmetics or biomedical products. 

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Microplastics are also plastic particles that break down from larger plastic materials, like food wrapping, tires, and synthetic textiles.

Researchers concluded in the study that their data does not show a "causal role" for microplastics affecting health and acknowledge that more studies are needed.

HealthScience