Scientists have sounded the alarm after a study revealed that the human brain contains roughly a spoonful of plastics. The concentration of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) was found to be three to five times higher in the brains of individuals with dementia.
An article in Brain Medicine described the findings as “alarming”, particularly in relation to patients with dementia. It also noted that while it’s nearly impossible to avoid consuming plastic, there are methods to minimise the risk.
Numerous studies in recent years have underscored the escalating risk posed by plastic consumption. This includes the impact of microplastics on the lungs, fertility, and inflammation.
A study published in Nature Medicine discovered that the levels of microplastics in the brain are significantly higher than in other organs, such as the liver and kidneys. The researchers also observed that participants in their study diagnosed with dementia had up to 10 times more microplastics in their brains compared to those without the condition.
The study concluded that the human brain contains approximately a spoon’s worth of microplastics and nanoplastics. The researchers cautioned that these microplastics were smaller in size (<200 nm) and most commonly polyethylene, reports Surrey Live.
Prof Tamara Galloway, Professor of Ecotoxicology at the University of Exeter, commented on the study saying: “Microplastics are a ubiquitous consequence of modern life, present in air, water and food and it should come as no surprise to find that most people have microplastics present in their bodies. What we don’t yet know is what the implications are for human health.”
She further explained, “Two things stand out from this study. The first is that there was no relationship between the age of the subjects and the amount of microplastics present in the brain samples. This is important because it suggests that microplastics do not accumulate continuously in brain tissues as we age.”
The ecotoxicologist also noted, “The second thing to stand out is the increase in levels of contamination over time, with a 50% increase in levels of microplastics present in the brain samples collected over the last eight years, reflecting the increased production and use of plastics over a similar timeframe. This is significant because it suggests that if we were to reduce environmental contamination with microplastics, the levels of human exposure would also decrease, offering a strong incentive to focus on innovations that reduce exposure.”
What is the issue with plastic?
When it comes to the problem with plastic, it’s crucial to understand that plastic doesn’t biodegrade but instead breaks down into smaller pieces known as microplastics. These end up being ingested by animals and consequently end up in the food chain.
Microplastics also infiltrate our bodies through bottled water. And a scientific study found even teabags have been found to contain these tiny particles.
Experts writing in Brain Medicine stated: “Given the widespread presence of microplastics in the environment, completely eliminating exposure is unrealistic. A more practical approach is to reduce the most significant sources of microplastic intake.”
So what can we do about it? While it’s nearly impossible to avoid microplastics entirely, there are measures we can take to minimise the risk.
Water
Research published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology identified bottled water as the second largest source of microplastics, with the air we breathe being the first. Seafood came in third, with the three making up the “large majority of microplastic intake”.
The study’s researchers believe that switching from bottled water to tap water could decrease microplastic consumption from 90,000 per year to 4,000. While the higher figure applies to those who only drink bottled water and the lower to those who exclusively drink tap water, most people will likely fall somewhere in between.
Tea bags
Another study in the same journal examined the use of tea bags. While they were once made of paper, many manufacturers have now switched to plastic.
The scientists found that steeping one tea bag in 95C water released 14 billion microplastics into the beverage. Tea enthusiasts might want to look into which brands are sticking with paper for their tea bags.
Yorkshire Tea is one brand that has taken heed of the concerns, announcing: “The bags in all our regular UK Yorkshire Tea boxes are now plant based. Most of the bag is made from natural fibres like wood pulp and the seal is made with PLA – an industrially compostable, plant-based plastic which is much better for the environment when it’s properly disposed of.”
Reheating or storing food
When it comes to reheating or storing food, the Brain Medicine team suggests that there are several adjustments that can be made even within the confines of a kitchen. They focused on the levels of BPA – a chemical commonly found in plastics which is released when plastics degrade.
They recommended: “Stopping the practice of heating food in plastic could be one of the most effective ways to reduce microplastic consumption.””Food storage may contribute to microplastic exposure.
“A randomised crossover trial of canned foods showed a more than 1000% rise in urinary bisphenol A (BPA) levels after five days of daily canned soup intake. This suggests that limiting canned food consumption and opting for non-plastic or BPA-free packaged alternatives can effectively reduce exposure. BPA spikes’ duration and health impact remain unclear, warranting further research.”
It also said avoiding plastic and opting for glass or stainless steel containers may reduce intake. It added: “Heating food in plastic containers, especially in the microwave, can release staggering amounts of microplastics and nanoplastics—up to 4.22 million and 2.11 billion particles per square centimetre in just three minutes.
“Even long-term storage at room temperature or in the fridge leads to significant plastic shedding. These plastics show toxic potential, with in vitro studies revealing up to 77% cell death in human kidney cells after prolonged exposure.”
Processed foods
When it comes to processed foods, the difference is stark. “Highly processed foods, like chicken nuggets, contained 30 times more microplastics per gram than chicken breasts, highlighting the impact of industrial processing, which often uses plastics at some point,” the Brain Medicine report notes.
Is it possible to clear plastics from our bodies?
According to experts from Brain Medicine, not much is known on how effectively the body can rid itself of microplastics.