Researchers at the University of New Mexico have uncovered startling evidence that microplastics, tiny plastic fragments, are making their way into human brains. This recent study analyzed tissue samples from individuals who died in either 2016 or 2024, finding microplastics present in the brain, liver, and kidneys. Notably, the presence of microplastics in the brain indicates that these particles can breach the blood-brain barrier, raising potential health concerns.
The study revealed a troubling trend: the amount of microplastics in the brain has increased significantly, seemingly in sync with the global surge in plastic waste. The research indicated that the levels of microplastics found in the brains of individuals who died in 2024 were approximately 50% higher than those who passed away in 2016. Despite the small scale of the study, which included fewer than 30 individuals in each comparison group, these findings raise important questions about the implications for human health.
Dr. Matthew Campen, a toxicology expert and professor at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, led the study. His team examined tissue samples from people who died from various causes, including natural causes, violence or trauma, and substance use, between 2016 and 2024. Among those who died in 2024, nine succumbed to violence or trauma, two to substance use, and thirteen to natural causes. For those who passed away in 2016, nine deaths were due to violence or trauma, twelve to substance use, and seven to natural causes. The average age of individuals in 2016 was 45 years, while it was 51 for those in 2024.
Dr. Campen expressed significant concern over the findings, stating:
“I never would have imagined it was this high. I certainly don’t feel comfortable with this much plastic in my brain, and I don’t need to wait around 30 more years to find out what happens if the concentrations quadruple.”
– Matthew Campen, PhD
The study's statistical analysis suggested that age was not a factor in microplastic levels, pointing instead to environmental changes and increased plastic usage as primary contributors. Dr. Campen also speculated on the potential health risks associated with microplastics:
“We start thinking that maybe these plastics obstruct blood flow in capillaries.”
– Matthew Campen, PhD
Previous research has linked microplastics and nanoplastics to plaque buildup inside the carotid artery, which may heighten the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or mortality from any cause. Although laboratory and animal studies indicate possible health hazards posed by microplastics, scientists continue to face challenges in identifying specific links between health outcomes and factors such as accumulation levels, microplastic types, or exposure durations.
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