Researchers detect nano-plastics in human brain tissue
Image credit: naja_bertolt_jensen via Unsplash
A new study published in the journal Nature Medicine has revealed that human brain samples contain an entire spoon's worth of nano-plastics. Experts suggest that nano-plastics are particularly concerning because they can enter and reside within individual cells. These tiny particles are capable of moving through the body and crossing into the brain via the blood-brain barrier. The main sources of exposure to these micro- and nanoplastics are through diet, although they can also be airborne. This finding highlights the need for more research into the effects of nanoplastic exposure and calls for a review of environmental policies related to plastic waste.
Source
Nihart, A.J., Garcia, M.A., El Hayek, E. et al. Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nat Med (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03453-1
Additional Reading
https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/03/health/plastics-inside-human-brain-wellness/index.html
https://www.businessinsider.com/microplastics-human-brains-high-levels-2025-1