Microplastics are found everywhere, from the food we consume to the air we breathe. However, its effect on human health is not entirely apparent yet. Although animal studies have suggested that there are potential harms, we are yet to learn how this affects us. Biochemist Matthew Campen and other researchers recently investigated how various inhaled pollutants, such as microplastics, affect neurological and cardiovascular health. They particularly focused on the accumulation and distribution of these particles in human organs. What they found has caused great concern.
The Study on Microplastics in Human Organs
Their research demonstrated that microplastics accumulated at higher levels in the brains than in the livers or kidneys, with a bigger buildup in those suffering from dementia. Furthermore, they found that microplastic levels were higher in 2024 than in 2016, across all these organs. This indicates a constant increase in exposure to environmental plastics. The researchers analyzed kidney, liver, and brain samples from autopsies conducted on deceased individuals in 2016 and 2024. However, this study does have its skeptics, such as the Professor of Chemistry, at RMIT University, Prof Oliver Jones. Regarding the samples, the professor stated, “The press release says the authors tested 28 brain samples from 2016 and 24 from 2024, which is only 52 samples in total. There is not enough data to make firm conclusions on the occurrence of microplastics in New Mexico, let alone globally.”
Using New Technologies
Traditional spectroscopic techniques often fail to see the smallest nanoplastics. This may lead researchers to underestimate the real extent of tissue contamination. To address this limitation, the researchers used pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, an innovative method for detecting plastic remains inside human tissue. What they discovered concerned them. The brain tissue had the highest quantities of nanoplastics, whereas the kidneys and liver were comparable in quantity. However, skeptics such as Professor Jones aren’t so sold on the use of this technology, stating, “This method can give false results when used to measure plastics because fats give the same pyrolysis products as polyethylene.”
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Higher Levels in the Most Recent Samples
While the 2024 samples from the brain and liver contained higher quantities than the 2016 samples, it seems that factors such as sex, ethnicity, age, or cause of death did not have any influence on the concentrations. The team then expanded their research to include samples from 1997 – 2013. They found that the higher plastic concentrations were once again found in the newer samples. They also found that higher concentrations were found in those who had dementia compared to those who did not. Once again, however, the professor who reviewed this study wasn’t so optimistic, saying, “There is a suggestion that microplastics might be associated with brain disease based on testing the brains from 12 people with dementia. This is not enough data to base this conclusion on”.
The Types of Microplastics Present
The researchers examined the various types of plastic that were present and found polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, styrene-butadiene rubber, and polyethylene. The researchers used various microscopy techniques to view how these particles accumulate in the organs. What they saw were shard-like pieces of plastic embedded in the tissue of the organs. They ranged from one to five micrometers in the kidney and liver samples and they were even smaller in the brain samples. In the case of those with dementia, the plastic fragments were seen clustered along the walls of the blood vessels and inside inflammatory cells.
Reviews of the Study
While the study provided some interesting results, there were many who felt that the sample databass was too small to reach any conclusive results. As Professor Jones stated, “Overall, the work is interesting, but the low sample numbers and potential analytical issues mean that care should be taken when interpreting the results.” However, others found the study rather insightful, yet still practiced caution when making conclusive statements on limited research. As Professor of Environmental Toxicology from the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society at Heriot-Watt University, Prof Theodore B. Henry put it, “ article presents interesting initial results about contamination of human tissues by plastics, and, as with any such results, we must be careful not to speculate about the implications until independent confirmation can validate the findings.”
The Bottom Line on Microplastics
While the study of microplastic buildup in human organs raises serious concerns, it also emphasizes the need for additional research. The presence of plastic particles in the brain, especially in dementia patients, shows a possible relationship between microplastics and neurological health, although the small sample size precludes definitive findings. The improvement of detection tools has helped to reveal the degree of microplastic contamination, but critics contend that additional rigorous and widespread investigations are required to corroborate these findings. As microplastic exposure increases, understanding its long-term health consequences remains a crucial topic of scientific research. Until more definite proof emerges, caution and ongoing research are critical in addressing this rising environmental and public health issue.
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