A recent study has discovered microplastics in human brains, raising concerns about potential health consequences. While the long-term effects are unknown, the mere presence of microplastics in the brain is considered worrying.
Researchers are planning further investigation to determine if microplastic accumulation is concentrated in specific brain regions and to explore possible links to health outcomes. They are also studying the entire brain to understand distribution patterns.
Although complete avoidance of microplastic exposure is impossible, individuals can take steps to reduce their risk. These include:
Scientists are actively developing methods to mitigate microplastic pollution. This includes exploring the use of organisms capable of breaking down plastics, such as worms, fungi, and microbes. New filtration systems are also being developed to remove microplastics from drinking water.
The pervasive nature of microplastics means that mitigation strategies are crucial, even if plastic production were to cease immediately. A precautionary approach is emphasized to reduce exposure and prevent potential health risks.
“More and more studies show that plastics are present in the brain, including this new one, and they shouldn’t be there,” says Kasteel. “We don’t know that much about the health effects, but the fact is that they are there and they shouldn’t be there, and maybe that’s worrying enough.”Â
Campen’s research team wants to look at the whole brain next, to understand if there’s more plastic accumulation in one specific area, and to see if that links to any specific health outcomes.
While there is no way to completely avoid exposure to plastics, Kasteel says that on a personal level there are small choices you can make that can reduce exposure: minimizing single-use plastics, ventilating your home well and vacuuming regularly to remove dust and plastic debris, and avoiding cosmetic products that intentionally add MNPs like scrubs with plastic beads.
Scientists are also developing solutions to reduce microplastics in the environment. There’s a type of worm that eats polystyrene, and fungi and microbes that break down plastics in the environment. Scientists are developing new types of filters to remove MNPs from drinking water.
“Plastic is everywhere. Most people cannot imagine a world without plastic… even if we stop producing plastic right now, the world will still be full of microplastics,” says Kasteel. “So it’s good to think about mitigation measures, applying a precautionary principle, and seeing what we can do to minimize exposure, to maybe prevent certain health risks that there might be.”
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