A new study has confirmed that microplastics are accumulating in human brains, with levels increasing by 50% over the past eight years. Scientists discovered that brain tissue contained more plastic than other major organs, raising concerns about potential health risks.
The research, published in Nature Medicine, analyzed brain, kidney, and liver tissue from autopsies conducted in 2016 and 2024. Findings showed that microplastics were seven to 30 times more concentrated in the brain than in the liver or kidneys. Some brain samples contained microplastic levels equivalent to the weight of a plastic spoon.
Scientists also found that individuals diagnosed with dementia had significantly higher microplastic concentrations than those without cognitive disorders. While the study does not establish a direct link between microplastics and dementia, researchers noted that the connection deserves further examination.
Microplastics originate from the breakdown of synthetic materials, including packaging, containers, and clothing fibers. These tiny fragments have previously been detected in human blood, lungs, and placentas. The new findings suggest they are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, although how they do so remains unclear.
The study found that polyethylene—the plastic commonly used in food packaging and plastic bags—was the most abundant type found in brain tissue. Unlike the smooth particles previously observed in other organs, the plastics in the brain appeared as thin, jagged shards.
With plastic production continuing to increase worldwide, scientists are urging further research to determine whether microplastics could impact brain function and overall human health.
