Study reveals alarming levels of microplastics in human brains, urges action amid rising global pollution

A recent study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has revealed alarming findings regarding the presence of microplastics in human organs. Researchers examined the livers, kidneys, and brains of decedents, uncovering that brain samples contained 10 to 20 times more microplastic particles compared to other organs. Matthew Campen, a professor of pharmaceutical toxicology at the University of New Mexico and the lead author of the study, expressed his astonishment over the extent of plastic found in the brain.

The ingestion of microplastics through food and drink is well-documented, with plastic fragments discovered in various body parts, including placentas, kidneys, joints, blood vessels, and bone marrow. However, the specific effects of these particles on human health remain largely unknown, leading to concerns about potential health risks. Animal studies have suggested links between microplastics and reduced fertility, impaired memory, and recent human studies indicate possible increased risks for cellular changes and cardiovascular diseases.

As global plastic pollution rises, UN negotiations for establishing the world’s first binding plastic agreement have been underway for two years, with recent talks held in Bangkok, Thailand. The goal is to finalize a treaty by 2025 that encompasses collective measures to protect both people and the environment. However, aligning countries on this issue has proven challenging. During the negotiations, Bethanie Carney Almroth, an ecotoxicology professor at the University of Gothenburg, noted that some oil-producing nations, including Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and India, advocate for tripling plastic production, which she indicates is unsustainable for the planet and its inhabitants.