Simply breathing is a danger.
For the first time, scientists have discovered microscopic microplastics in the human brain. A study conducted by researchers from Germany and Brazil found these particles in the olfactory bulbs, which are the brain’s smell centers, in 8 out of 15 autopsied adults.
These microplastics are believed to have been inhaled over a lifetime, as airborne microplastics are prevalent in the environment. While microplastics have previously been found in various body parts, including the lungs, intestines, liver, blood, and reproductive organs, it was thought that the blood-brain barrier would protect the brain from such particles.
However, this new study suggests that microplastics might reach the brain through the olfactory bulb. Luis Fernando Amato-Lourenco of the Free University Berlin and Thais Mauad, an associate professor at the University of Sao Paulo, led the research. Their findings were published on September 16 in JAMA Network Open.
Dr. Mauad, quoted by the Plastic Health Council, which funded the study, highlighted that the prevalence of even smaller nanoplastics could mean that the total amount of plastic particles in the body is significantly higher than previously thought. He expressed concern about the potential for these particles to be absorbed by cells and disrupt bodily functions.
The study analyzed brain tissue from 15 autopsies of individuals who had passed away in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with ages ranging from 33 to 100 years (average age 69.5). The researchers identified 16 synthetic polymer particles and fibers in the olfactory bulbs of 8 individuals. Notably, polypropylene, a common plastic found in packaging and household items, was present in nearly 44% of the cases, indicating that indoor environments might be a major source of inhaled microplastics.
The researchers speculate that microplastics may enter the brain through interactions between the nasal mucosa and cerebrospinal fluid, facilitated by small openings in the bony structures of the olfactory region. Dr. Wells Brambl, a medical toxicology expert at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York City, explained that the absence of a blood-brain barrier in this area allows for direct access to the brain.
Previous studies have detected other environmental particles in the olfactory bulb, including black carbon from air pollution and, in rare instances, amoeba that can cause severe encephalitis. The new findings extend this understanding to include microplastics.
While it remains uncertain how these microplastics might impact brain health, Amato-Lourenco’s team notes that the potential neurotoxic effects are concerning, especially given the rise in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and ALS. Dr. Brambl suggests that while it’s clear that having plastic in the brain is not ideal, definitive long-term studies are needed to fully understand the implications. He emphasizes that this research underscores a pressing public health issue that requires further investigation.
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