The amount of microplastic accumulating in the human brain is increasing every year
Within the scope of the study titled "Bioaccumulation of microplastics in deceased human brains", the results of which were published in the medical journal Nature Medicine, the brain, liver and kidney tissues of 30 cadavers across the USA were examined and the accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics in these organs was investigated.
The study found that the amount of plastic in the brain was approximately 4,000 micrograms per gram of tissue, which is about 10 times higher than in the liver or kidney.
Scientists had also investigated changes in microplastic concentrations in liver, kidney and brain tissues in 2016. Accordingly, in eight years, microplastic concentration increased from 433 micrograms to 500 micrograms in the liver, from 404 micrograms to 480 micrograms in the kidney, and from 3,345 micrograms to 4,917 micrograms in the brain. These numbers show that the amount of microplastic in the brain increased by approximately 50 percent in this period.
"THE MOST COMMON TYPE OF PLASTIC IS POLYETHYLENE"Hereditary Cancer Association President and Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Mustafa Özdoğan said that although the brain is surrounded by the blood-brain barrier, one of the strongest barriers that protects the body from external effects, nanoplastics can overcome this natural defense wall, and that this structure, with its high fat tissue and constant blood flow, can provide a favorable environment for the accumulation of plastic particles.
Özdoğan emphasized that the amount of microplastic measured in the brain in the study was 2 grams in total in the front part of the brain, which is equivalent to the amount of plastic in an average plastic bag, and noted that the diameters of the identified microplastics varied from 500 microns to 1 nanometer, meaning that these particles were thinner than a strand of hair.
Özdoğan stated that microplastics, which are mostly colorless or transparent, round, fibrous or angular in form, enter the body through different routes, making it easier for them to reach tissues and organs.
Özdoğan, who reported that the most common type of plastic encountered in the study was polyethylene, said, "This substance is frequently encountered in water bottles, plastic bags, storage containers and textile products. In addition, plastic cups, cutlery, toothpaste, cosmetic products and even some clothes also contribute to the spread of these particles."
Özdoğan, who explained that microplastics may be associated with diseases such as coronary artery blockages, strokes and heart attacks, dementia and Alzheimer's, intestinal diseases, and hormonal disorders, and that the inflammation and toxic stress they cause in the vascular walls and brain tissue can accelerate the formation of these diseases, continued as follows: "The greatest risk group in terms of microplastics is dementia patients and elderly individuals. Because as we age, the blood-brain barrier weakens, meaning the brain's defense shield thins out. This allows microplastics to infiltrate the brain more easily. In addition, it becomes more difficult for these particles to be removed from the body in individuals with weakened immune systems. There is another very important point. The damage microplastics cause to our bodies is not only related to their amount, but also to the types of chemicals they carry. These particles contain endocrine disruptors, substances that disrupt our hormonal system. This may also have an impact on the development and fertility capacity of future generations."
Özdoğan, who also talked about the sources of microplastics taken into the human body, said, "Research shows that just consuming bottled water causes us to swallow an average of 90 thousand microplastic particles per year. When the same individual drinks tap water, this number is only around 4000. In other words, the more plastic enters our lives, the more it enters our bodies. We eat more and more microplastics every year."
Özdoğan, who pointed out the importance of individual measures to protect against microplastics, recommended using glass or stainless steel water bottles, not heating food in plastic containers, preferring cloth bags and glass storage containers, and choosing natural fibers instead of synthetic clothes.
Özdoğan stated that individual efforts are important, but the real change starts with politics and that real solutions to plastic pollution are possible with social awareness and strong laws.
Özdoğan, who also touched on the measures that could be taken in this context, said, "Limiting single-use plastics, strict inspections on food packaging, improving clean water and waste management policies, and raising public awareness through education and awareness campaigns can provide serious benefits in terms of reducing pollution."
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