A groundbreaking study led by Prof Matthew Campen at the University of New Mexico has revealed alarming levels of microplastic contamination in human tissues. The research, focusing on samples from New Mexico, highlighted that tiny plastic particles were significantly higher in placentas from premature births. It also showed that brain samples from individuals with dementia contained about six times more microplastics. This trend, observed from 1997 to 2024, underscores a 50% increase in brain microplastics over the past eight years, likely reflecting the surge in plastic production and use.
The study examined brain, liver, and kidney tissues from 52 deceased individuals—28 from 2016 and 24 from 2024. The results indicated a stark rise in microplastic contamination over recent decades. Microplastics, which are broken down from larger plastic waste, have become a ubiquitous pollutant, contaminating environments from Mount Everest's summit to the ocean depths. On average, these tiny pollutants comprised 75% of the total plastic found in tissues.
In addition to brains, liver and kidney samples also showed microplastic presence. Prof Tamara Galloway at the University of Exeter emphasized that this 50% increase in brain microplastics aligns with the rising production and consumption of plastics globally.
“It suggests that if we were to reduce environmental contamination with microplastics, the levels of human exposure would also decrease, offering a strong incentive to focus on innovations that reduce exposure,” – Prof Tamara Galloway
The findings highlight a growing concern about the potential health impacts of microplastics on humans. Prof Oliver Jones from RMIT University noted the importance of interpreting these results cautiously due to the small sample size and challenges in analyzing such minute particles without contamination. Nonetheless, the study's implications are significant.
Prof Matthew Campen pointed out the necessity of understanding how micro- and nanoplastics might contribute to neurological disorders and other health issues. As these contaminants proliferate in the environment, their potential effects on human health become increasingly relevant.
“Given the exponentially rising environmental presence of micro- and nanoplastics, this data compels a much larger effort to understand whether they have a role in neurological disorders or other human health effects,” – Prof Matthew Campen
The researchers extended their analysis to include brain tissue samples from individuals who died between 1997 and 2013 on the US east coast, further confirming the upward trend in contamination. This comprehensive approach strengthens the study's conclusions about the growing presence of microplastics in human tissues over time.
“These results highlight a critical need to better understand the routes of exposure, uptake and clearance pathways and potential health consequences of plastics in human tissues, particularly in the brain,” – Prof Matthew Campen