A GROUNDBREAKING study has confirmed the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in human brain tissue, raising concerns about the long-term health impact of these environmental contaminants. Researchers detected significant concentrations of microplastics in liver, kidney, and brain tissues, with the highest levels found in the brain. The findings suggest that exposure to microplastics has increased over time and may be linked to neurological conditions such as dementia.
The study utilized advanced detection techniques, pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and electron microscopy, to identify and analyze microplastics in tissue samples collected between 2016 and 2024. Among the key findings was the discovery that brain tissues harbored substantially higher concentrations of polyethylene-based microplastics compared to other organs.
Researchers observed a notable increase in microplastic concentrations over time, with 2024 samples showing significantly higher levels than those from 2016. Plastic particles primarily appeared as nanoscale shard-like fragments in the brain and were frequently deposited in cerebrovascular walls and immune cells.
The most concerning aspect of the study was the higher accumulation of microplastics in the brains of individuals with a documented diagnosis of dementia. While the study does not establish a direct causal relationship between microplastic exposure and neurological disease, the presence of these particles in key brain areas raises questions about potential pathways for cognitive decline.
These findings underscore the urgent need for further research into how microplastics enter and accumulate in the human body. Understanding exposure routes and clearance mechanisms is critical for assessing the long-term health risks associated with plastic pollution.
For healthcare professionals, this study highlights a growing environmental health concern that may have implications for patient outcomes, particularly in the fields of neurology, geriatrics, and internal medicine. The study demonstrates that the presence of microplastics in human tissue is no longer a theoretical risk, but a measurable reality that demands attention.
Reference: Nihart AJ. Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nat Med. 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41591-024-03453-1. [Online ahead of print].
Anaya Malik | AMJ
