A new study has found microplastic particles in brain samples collected last year, with concentrations significantly higher than those found in similar samples a decade ago. Researchers from the University of New Mexico analyzed tissues from 52 human bodies and discovered that plastic particles accumulate in vital organs over time.
The study’s lead author, Alexander Nihart, and his team found greater concentrations of microplastics in brain samples compared to kidneys and livers. The researchers also detected higher amounts of plastics in samples from people with dementia diagnoses.
Microplastic pollution has been increasing globally since the 1950s, with an estimated 9 billion metric tons produced for various uses. These tiny particles contaminate environments worldwide, including human tissues. The long-term impacts of plastic particles embedded in our bodies are unknown but may have significant effects.
Nihart and colleagues’ findings contribute to a growing body of research urging more investigation into the health impacts of microplastics. As production continues to rise, humans continue to absorb fragments of plastics, raising concerns about their potential contribution to poor health.
The study’s results were published in Nature Medicine and highlight the need for further research on the topic.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/microplastics-could-accumulate-in-our-brains-more-than-in-kidneys-and-livers