A groundbreaking study has unveiled a chilling reality: plastic particles from everyday items are infiltrating the human brain. This alarming discovery, led by scientists at the University of Sao Paulo and Freie University Berlin, has ignited a global call for urgent action on plastic’s impact on human health.
The research, published in a leading scientific journal, revealed the presence of microplastics in the olfactory bulb, the part of the brain responsible for processing smells. This suggests that inhaled air, especially within indoor environments, could be a major source of plastic pollution entering the brain. The study analyzed brain samples from 15 deceased residents of Sao Paulo, Brazil, finding microplastics in eight out of 15 samples. Notably, the most common type of plastic identified was polyethylene terephthalate (PET), widely used for clothing, food packaging, and bottles.
The research team found plastic fibers and particles with a diameter of 10 microns, raising concerns about the presence of even smaller nanoplastics, which can penetrate the body with greater ease. Lead researcher, Professor Thais Mauad, from the University of Sao Paulo, emphasized the potential health risks, stating that “the olfactory pathway is a potential major entry route for plastic into the brain, meaning that breathing within indoor environments could be a major source of plastic pollution in the brain.” She further cautioned, “With much smaller entering the body with greater ease, the total level of plastic particles may be much higher. What is worrying is the capacity of such particles to be internalised by cells and alter how our bodies function.”
The study’s findings have far-reaching implications for human health, particularly for children. Microplastics have the potential to be internalized within cells, causing alterations in cellular function, potentially impacting organ development and function in children. The study also suggests that these particles could lead to long-term health consequences in adults.
This alarming discovery comes on the heels of a previous study by Plastic Health Council member, Professor Dr Lukas Kenner, who found that microplastics can accelerate the spread of cancer cells in the gut. This research, along with other studies highlighting the potential of plastic exposure to lead to endocrine disruption, decreased fertility, and heart disease, has intensified concerns about the widespread presence of microplastics in our environment and bodies.
The international community is nearing final negotiations for a UN Global Plastics Treaty, aiming to address the plastic pollution crisis. However, scientists and campaigners are urging policymakers to prioritize strong measures to reduce plastic production, phase out single-use plastics, and mandate proper testing of chemicals used in plastics. This urgent call to action is driven by the understanding that the threat of plastic pollution to human health cannot be ignored any longer. Maria Westerbos, founder of the Plastic Soup Foundation, emphasizes the urgency, stating, “Plastic has become as synonymous as air is to breathing. Time and time again scientists are peeling back the cover on plastics’ dangerous effects on human health.” She further warns, “The international community cannot waste any more time, they must finally listen to science, once and for all.”
With over 500 million tons of plastic produced annually, the need for immediate action is undeniable. Scientists have identified over 16,000 chemicals in plastic products, with over 4,000 posing hazards to human health and the environment. The upcoming final round of negotiations for the UN Global Plastics Treaty in South Korea will be a critical moment for ensuring that a strong and science-driven treaty is put in place to protect future generations from the harmful effects of microplastic pollution.
