“Shocking Study Reveals High Levels of Microplastics in Human Brains, Especially in Dementia Cases”
The study conducted by health sciences researchers at the University of New Mexico (UNM) has revealed alarming findings regarding the presence of microplastics in human brain tissue. The research, led by Dr. Matthew Campen, a toxicologist and Distinguished and Regents’ Professor in the UNM College of Pharmacy, found that concentrations of microplastics in the brain were significantly higher than in other organs.
The accumulation of plastics in the brain was observed to have increased by 50% over the last eight years, mirroring the growing plastic waste on the planet. This discovery has raised concerns about the potential health implications of having such high levels of plastic in the brain.
The study compared brain tissue from individuals diagnosed with dementia and found that they had as much as 10 times the amount of plastic in their brains compared to those without the condition. However, the study was unable to determine if the high levels of plastic were a cause or a result of the dementia symptoms.
The researchers detected and quantified a dozen different polymers in the brain tissue, with polyethylene being the most common. They also found clusters of plastic shards small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, though the mechanism of how they entered the brain remains unclear.
Dr. Campen expressed concern about the potential effects of these microplastics on brain function, suggesting that they could obstruct blood flow in capillaries or interfere with connections between axons in the brain. The study also highlighted the role of ingested food, particularly meat, in the accumulation of microplastics in the human body.
The findings of this study underscore the urgent need to better understand the routes of exposure, uptake, and potential health consequences of plastics in human tissues, especially in the brain. The researchers hope that these results will raise awareness about the global threat posed by microplastics to human health and motivate consumers to take action to reduce their exposure to these harmful particles.