Spoon’s Worth of Plastic Found In Human Brains, More In 2024 Deaths Than 2016

Scientists have discovered that the average human brain contains enough plastic to make a small spoon, with even higher amounts found in people who died in 2024 compared to those who passed in 2016.

The new study published in the journal Nature Medicine confirms that microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) can infiltrate brain tissue, raising serious concerns about plastic contamination in the body and its potential effects on neurological health.

Researchers from the University of New Mexico analyzed brain tissue samples from individuals who passed away in 2016 and 2024 and found significantly higher levels of microplastics in the more recent deaths.

Some reports state that the study analyzed 52 samples, while others mention 91 cases. Nonetheless, on average, the amount of plastic found in the human brain is estimated to be around 7 milligrams, about the weight of a small plastic spoon.

The study also found that people diagnosed with dementia had up to 10 times more microplastics in their brains than those without the condition. While this raises concerns, researchers have not confirmed a direct link between plastic accumulation and the brain disease.

Scientists believe the particles likely enter the brain through the bloodstream, as they are small enough to pass through the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer that usually prevents harmful substances from reaching the brain.

To detect these plastic particles, researchers used advanced imaging techniques capable of identifying MNPs as small as 1/100,000th the width of a human hair. The analysis found that the most common types of plastic present in the brain were polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are commonly used in food packaging, plastic bottles, and synthetic textiles.

The accumulation of these plastics in the brain could potentially have health effects, including inflammation, cellular damage, oxidative stress, or interference with normal neurological functions. These could potentially disrupt brain function, including memory and motor skills.

As concerns over microplastic exposure grow, a separate study from Rutgers University found that bottled water may contain hundreds of thousands of plastic particles per liter, much higher than previously estimated. Researchers warn that regular consumption of water in bottles could significantly increase the amount of plastic humans ingest daily.

The discovery of microplastics in human brain tissue adds to growing concerns about the long-term health effects of plastic pollution. While researchers continue to study the impact of these particles on neurological and overall health, experts stress the importance of limiting plastic exposure and implementing better waste management strategies to address the global microplastic crisis.

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