23-05-2025
The VERY surprising kitchen chore that raises risk of dementia
Scientists have warned that placing plastic items in the dishwasher could raise the risk of dementia.
They found that mechanical dishwashing of plastic plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery leads to the release of toxic microplastics, which can then contaminate other utensils.
Microplastics are small enough to breach biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, raising concerns about their potential impact on human health.
These particles have been linked not only to dementia, but also to cancer, heart disease, and fertility issues.
The study found that a single dishwasher cycle involving plasticware can release nearly a million particles.
Researchers estimate that this equates to around six milligrams of microplastics accumulating in the human body per year — roughly a quarter of a grain of rice.
The release of microplastics is primarily driven by the dishwasher's heat.
During a typical cycle, plastic items are exposed to chemical, thermal, and abrasive cleaning processes, with temperatures reaching up to 158°F, along with detergent and rinse cycles.
'Even routine household activities, like dishwashing, can have significant environmental consequences,' Dr Elvis Okoffo from the University of Queensland said in a statement.
'We demonstrated that plastic containers and utensils washed in dishwashers release plastic particles.'
In 2025, the US has seen an estimated 7.2 million people aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer's dementia.
However, this number is projected to rise to nine million by 2030 and nearly 12 million by 2040.
While microplastics have not been definitely linked to the cognitive issue, a recent study of 54 brain samples found that dementia patients had significantly higher concentrations of microplastics than those without dementia.
The team at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque found levels were up to 10 times higher in some cases.
For the new study, researchers collected 13 different plastic items and simulated typical dishwasher cycles to assess how much plastic is shed into the water.
Now only do the particles contaminate other dishes, but they are released into wastewater that flows into the environment.
While the results may seem alarming, study author Elvis Okoffo said: 'Despite the high number of particles released, the total mass released from plastic containers is low and is minor compared to other known sources of plastic pollution.'
Scientist found microplastics in the brain for the first time last September, warning the plastics are infiltrating and potentially changing cells, adding that there 'can be no further doubt' about the dangers posed to human health.
Researcher from the University of São Paulo observed plastic fibers and particles in the brains of eight out of 14 deceased individuals studied.
The microplastics were identified in part of the brain known as the olfactory bulb, which are above the nasal cavities which process information about smells and relay it to other parts of the brain.
They were also present in the nose, reinforcing the idea that this is a major point of entry to the brain.
Researchers fear levels of smaller nanoplastics, which pass into the human body with greater ease, will be even higher.
Professor Thais Mauad, lead researcher from the University of São Paulo, said: 'This study finds that the olfactory pathway is a potential major entry route for plastic into the brain, meaning that breathing within indoor environments could be a major source of plastic pollution in the brain.
'With much smaller nanoplastics entering the body with greater ease, the total level of plastic particles may be much higher.
'What is worrying is the capacity of such particles to be internalised by cells and alter how our bodies function.'
