Earlier this year, researchers reported the first known evidence of microplastics in the human brain. But what does it mean?
Microplastics have been found in the lungs, liver, blood, and heart. Now, researchers report they have found the first evidence of the substances in human brains.that examined olfactory bulb tissue from deceased individuals, 8 of the 15 decedent brains showed the presence of microplastics, most commonly polypropylene, a plastic typically used in food packaging and water bottles.
Exclusion criteria included having undergone previous neurosurgical interventions. The tissues were analyzed using micro–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy . The microplastic particles ranged in length from 5.5 to 26 microns , with a width that ranged from 3 to 25 microns. The mean fiber length and width was 21 and 4 microns, respectively. For comparison, the diameter of one human hair averages about 70 microns, according to the
“With much smaller nanoplastics 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 internalized by cells and alter how our bodies function,” she added.that although questions remain regarding the health implications of their findings, some animal studies have shown that the presence of microplastics in the brain is linked to neurotoxic effects, including oxidative stress.
The research suggests that inhaling microplastics while indoors may be unavoidable, Mauad said, making it unlikely individuals can eliminate exposure to these substances.“The industry has chosen to sell many things in plastic, and I think this has to change. We need more policies to decrease plastic production — especially single-use plastic,” she said.
Although federal regulations include the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 and the Save Our Seas Act 2.0, the rules don’t directly pertain to microplastics.issued in July by the FDA claimed that “the overall scientific evidence does not demonstrate that levels of microplastics or nanoplastics found in foods pose a risk to human health.
Toxicity Poisoning Toxins Brain Blood-Brain Barrier BBB - Blood Brain Barrier Tissue Parkinson's Disease Parkinson Disease Parkinsons Parkinson Parkinson Disease (PD) Food Allergy Food Hypersensitivity Pregnancy Pregnant
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Plastic Pollution’s Next Victim: The Human Urinary TractOnce thought to be harmless, microplastics are now being found in the kidneys and bladder.
Read more »
'Suspicious powder' found on voting ballot in Salt Lake County found 'not hazardous'Officials are saying a 'suspicious powder' was found on a voting ballot in Salt Lake County.
Read more »
'Suspicious powder' found on voting ballot in Salt Lake County found 'not hazardous'Officials are saying a 'suspicious powder' was found on a voting ballot in Salt Lake County.
Read more »
Northern California driver dies after vehicle found in floodwaters, 1 other found deadA driver was found dead in floodwaters after an atmospheric river dumped heavy rain in Northern California, authorities said.
Read more »
Microplastic Pollution Is Everywhere, Even in the Exhaled Breath of DolphinsMicroplastics are invisible but omnipresent.
Read more »
Danone wins dismissal of Evian microplastics lawsuit in ChicagoDanone wins dismissal of Evian microplastics lawsuit in Chicago
Read more »