I first heard about microplastics in 2019 when a study (now debunked) found that, on average, people could be ingesting approximately 5 grams of plastic weekly. To sum up, the actual amount is significantly less, possibly taking thousands of years to reach the equivalent of a credit card’s weight.
Recent research published in Nature Medicine has revealed alarming findings: human brains now contain five grams of microplastics—50% more than a decade ago. These invisible threats are increasingly infiltrating our bodies and environment, potentially devastating health and food security.
Key Research Findings
- Human brains contain on average five grams of microplastics (MNPs)—equivalent to the weight of a plastic spoon
- Individuals with dementia had up to ten times more MNPs—equivalent to a golf ball
- Brain MNP levels have increased 50% from 2016 to 2024
- MNP concentrations are 7-30 times higher in brain tissue than in liver or kidney
- Most brain MNPs are nano-sized polyethylene particles from everyday products
I have written in detail what we can do to protect ourselves and our family, but here’s a brief recap.
Health Concerns
- We potentially inhale or swallow up to 1.8 million microplastic particles yearly
- MNPs may obstruct blood flow in brain capillaries and interfere with neural signaling
- Research suggests links to depression, anxiety, stroke risk, and cardiovascular disease
- Mouse studies show MNPs affect movement, memory, and coordination
How to Reduce Your Exposure
- Drink filtered tap water instead of bottled water, avoid hot liquids in paper/plastic cups
- Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers (releases 4 million to 2 billion MNPs per square cm)
- Choose glass, ceramic, or steel containers for food storage
- Avoid plastic tea bags and highly processed foods
- Use HEPA air filters to remove airborne microplastics
