Green Junction: Microplastics in the Human Body
This week, a breakthrough study was published in the journal Nature Medicine, a highly acclaimed science journal. The published work “Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains,” was carried out by 21 scientists. The scientists analyzed liver, brain and kidney samples from deceased humans and used a variety of methodologies to determine the amounts and types of plastic accumulated in the organs. They found similar masses of plastic in the liver and kidneys, while significantly higher masses of plastic were measured in the brain (7-30 times more). This suggests the plastic that enters our bodies accumulates more in the brain than the liver and kidneys.
Another important finding was the amount of plastic found in the organs of those who passed many years ago was significantly lower than those who have more recently passed. This is connected to the rapid increase in plastic production/exposure over the past two decades. It is critical to recognize that younger generations are exposed to plastics to a much greater degree than “older” generations. This study links greater accumulations of micro and nanoplastics particles (MNP) in the brain and other organs to present lifestyles inundated with more plastic materials. The article expresses this: “we postulate that the exponentially increasing environmental concentrations of MNP may analogously increase internal maximal concentrations.”
I have frequently and confidently communicated the presence of massive amounts of microplastics released in our world and the critical need to reduce plastics. The studies establishing connections to negative human health outcomes have been underway and are rising. While the authors of this study wrote “These data are associative and do not establish a causal role for such particles affecting health,” one part of the article explains, “Brain samples from decedents with diagnosed dementia exhibit far greater MNP concentrations than brain tissues from participants without dementia.”
Overall, more studies are reporting adverse changes in body function from MNP, and providing more evidence to reduce exposures, especially for children. Reduce the amount of foods and drinks you consume that are wrapped in plastic. Reduce the plastic in your kitchen. Reduce your plastic clothes, blankets and fabrics, especially the highly fibrous ones (fleece). Say no to plastic whenever possible. If you have time, contact companies that use/overuse plastic and ask them to find suitable substitutes or cut down on plastic.
