Rapid rise in microplastics found in human brain
This perhaps explains the presence of plastic particles in the human brain, doctors say.
Highlighting a major concern during World Brain Week, neurologists shared shocking data: A study comparing brains of people who died in 2016 with those who died in 2024 found 50% rise in plastic particles in the vital organ.
"These findings are alarming. They show that our lifestyle changes over just a few years are impacting our brain," said Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram, senior neurologist from Nagpur and Trustee of the World Federation of Neurology (WFN).
Dr Meshram shared research by Alexander Nihart on microplastics in deceased human brains published in the March edition of Nature Medicine journal.
"Microplastics are so tiny in size that they can enter our body through food, water, air, and even skin contact. Once inside, they travel through our blood and get deposited in organs like the liver, kidneys, and especially the brain, where levels are 20 to 30 times higher than other organs," explained Dr Meshram.
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"Microplastics cross the blood-brain barrier and can disrupt brain function. They may trigger inflammation and even stroke," said Dr Meshram.
"Out of 12 types of plastic polymers found in the brain, polyethylene — used in bottles and packaging — was the most common," said professor Raidh Gouider, former WFN Trustee from Tunisia. He added, "Plastics now make up about 0.5% of brain weight. That's roughly 7 grams of micro and nano plastics in our brain over a lifetime."
When asked if the brain can adapt naturally to this plastic, professor Jacques Reid, former chair of the Environmental Neurology Group, WFN, shared an interesting take. "The human brain is an extraordinary organ that has adapted over centuries to changing environments, including new dietary exposures," he said.
"But adaptation has its limits. The rise in plastic exposure should not be taken lightly. We must act now to protect both our environment and our brain health," he added.
BOX
RESEARCH FINDINGS
50% more microplastics found in brains of people who died in 2024 as compared to those in 2016
7 grams of plastic can accumulate in a human brain over a lifetime
Microplastics in the brain are 20–30 times higher than in the liver or kidney
One litre bottled water carries 2.4 lakh plastic particles
Apples & carrots have more than 1,00,000 plastic particles per gram
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