Scientists Find Microplastics Accumulating in Human Brains

New research reveals a spoonful of microplastics in human brains, with dementia patients showing significantly higher levels.

Researchers discovered that human brains can contain approximately a spoonful of microplastics and nanoplastics, with dementia patients showing 3-5 times higher concentrations.
Brain tissues were found to have 7-30 times more microplastics than filtration organs like the liver or kidneys, largely composed of polyethylene particles smaller than 200 nanometers.
The study highlights a 50% increase in brain microplastic levels between 2016 and 2024, reflecting the rapid rise of environmental microplastic pollution.
Sources of microplastic exposure include bottled water, heated plastic containers, plastic tea bags, and processed foods, with bottled water alone accounting for significant intake.
Practical steps to reduce exposure include switching to tap water, using glass or metal containers, avoiding heating food in plastic, and minimizing consumption of processed foods.