Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic that break down from larger plastic items, have been found in various parts of the human body, including blood, lungs, and brains. Research has linked microplastic exposure to health issues such as heart problems and fertility concerns.
According to a recent commentary article published in Brain Medicine, scientists estimate that 10-40 million tonnes of microplastics are released into the environment each year, with this number potentially doubling by 2040 under business-as-usual scenarios. The sheer ubiquity of microplastics makes them present in every food chain and on every dinner plate.
Studies have shown that people who died in 2024 had 50% more microplastics in their brains than those who died eight years earlier, highlighting the growing concern about this issue. Although avoiding microplastics entirely is impossible, there are ways to reduce exposure.
Switching from bottled water to tap water can significantly reduce intake of microplastics, with a study finding that boiling water and pouring it through a coffee filter can remove up to 90% of microplastics. Teabags also contain plastics that release microplastics when steeped in hot water.
To minimize exposure at home, experts recommend sweeping or vacuuming regularly to reduce the shedding of microplastic fibers from clothing and textiles. Installing a microfiber-catching filter in laundry machines and dryers can also help reduce microplastic intake.
In the kitchen, avoiding heating food in plastic containers or on plastic plates can prevent microplastics from leaching into food. Using natural materials like glass, wood, bamboo, and cotton instead of plastics is recommended. The beauty industry’s use of plastic packaging and personal care products containing phthalates also contributes to microplastic pollution.
While there are hopeful innovations on the horizon, such as biomaterials that may eventually replace traditional plastics, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of microplastics on human health and develop new materials that can reduce plastic waste.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/microplastics-in-the-brain-how-can-we-avoid-exposure