A new study has found high levels of microplastic shards in brain tissue collected over 25 years. Researchers analyzed samples from 91 individuals who had donated their organs after death and found that the average mass of plastic in brain tissue was around 4,917 micrograms per gram, a 50% increase from the previous study.
The discovery has raised concerns about the potential health implications of microplastics on human health. While the study did not find a direct link between microplastic levels and age at death, it highlights the need for further research into the effects of microplastics on brain function and overall health.
Previous studies have shown that microplastics can be found in various parts of the body, including lungs, intestines, blood, and liver. However, this study is the first to specifically look at the presence of microplastics in brain tissue.
The researchers used several techniques to measure the levels of micro- and nano-sized plastic particles (MNP) in the brain tissue samples. They found that some samples had over 10 times more plastic than liver and kidney samples.
The discovery has sparked debate about the potential health risks of microplastics, particularly in relation to cognitive function and overall well-being. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of microplastics on human health, this study highlights the need for further investigation into the issue.
As one researcher noted, “We don’t know the health implications of microplastics in the brain.” However, it’s clear that addressing this issue will require a concerted effort from scientists and policymakers to develop effective strategies for reducing plastic pollution and mitigating its effects on human health.
Source: https://www.snexplores.org/article/microplastics-in-human-brains-health