Studies have shown that microplastics are in our brain and other organs. What that means has hardly been researched so far. Scientists now give tips on how to reduce your own plastic absorption.
The amount of tiny plastic particles in the environment increases as well as those in the human body. “Microplastics are omnipresent in the food we eat, in the water that we drink, and in the air we breathe,” write three researchers in the Journal Brain Medicine in a comment on several previous studies. They indicate possible dangers – but above all how the inclusion of such particles can be reduced (more on this).
Study: particularly tiny plastic particles in the brain
Another team recently found significantly more tiny plastic particles in liver and brain samples from 2024 than in those from 2016. The concentration in the brain was also much higher than in the liver or the kidneys, the group around Matthew Campen from the University of New Mexico reported in February in the Journal Nature Medicine. The drastic increase in plastic concentration in the brain within just eight years is extremely worrying, said the main author of the comment, Nicholas Fabiano from the University of Ottawa.
Particularly small particles were discovered in the brain, of less than 0.2 micrometers in size. They mainly consisted of polyethylene, which is in numerous everyday objects. Due to their small size, you can overcome the so-called blood-brain barrier. The effects are still unclear. Particles between one micrometer (0.001 millimeters) and five millimeters are considered microplastics. Nanoplastic particles are even smaller.
Avoid microplastics in water
Everyone can reduce their admission of nano and microplastics themselves, explains the research trio. If, for example, if a person only made his water requirement from plastic bottles, he can record more than 20 times as many particles as someone who only uses tap water, the researchers write with reference to an earlier study. Water made of glass bottles also contains more plastic particles than tap water, as researchers write in an analysis of 21 studies. This could be caused by filling processes, among other things.
Tap water is of good quality in Germany, on top of that you save a lot of packaging waste with tap water instead of bottle water.
Avoid tea bags with plastic
Another source for micro and nanoplasty is plastic tea bag. Leaving a plastic tea bag at 95 degrees can release considerable amounts of it, according to the research trio’s comment. It is therefore better to avoid such tea bags.
Tip: Especially organic brands usually use plastic-free and degradable tea bags. Teabing and metal tea eggs are even better into which you can fill loose tea.
Beware, plastic vessels for dishes set off particles
In addition, the waiver of plastic containers can be effective for food. “Heating dishes in plastic containers- especially in the microwave- can release large amounts of micro and nanoplasty,” “warned Commentator Brandon Luu from the University of Toronto. According to the researchers, even long -term storage at room temperature or in the refrigerator leads to a significant release of particles.
“The use of glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic is a small but significant measure to minimize exposure”, “said Luu. Ceramic tableware is also a good and microplastic -free alternative.
Avoid chemicals in cans
Food in cans can contain substances that come from plastics, for example bisphenol-A (BPA). In a study, a test was given: doses soups for five days in a row, whereupon their BPA values in the urine climbed many times over. The research trio also emphasizes: “However, the duration of these BPA top values and their health effects are unclear and require further research.”
Another US study has shown that high-processed foods contained significantly more microplastics than minimally processed.
The trio sees at least a positive finding: “One of the most hopeful aspects of the results so far is the lack of a correlation between age and microplastic accumulation.” This indicates that “despite persistent environmental influences, the body has mechanisms to excrete these particles over time through sweat, urine and faeces.”
Microplastics: Many possible consequences for the body
There are indications of cell culture and animal experiments that the plastic particles could promote inflammation, immune disorders, a changed metabolism, an abnormal organ development and cancer, the commentators write. So far, the study situation is poor. Large studies with people are necessary to determine the possible danger from microplastics for health. At the same time, studies should better evaluate the effectiveness of different reduction strategies.
There are only a few studies on the effects of microplastics in the brain. Campens team discovered an increased concentration in twelve other brain samples of people with a proven dementia. However, the group around camping emphasizes that the study does not demonstrate a direct cause-effect relationship.
It is also conceivable that dementia could weaken the blood-brain barrier and therefore could penetrate more microplastics, the three commentators write.
Read more on utopia.de:
- 10 tips on what you can do about microplastics
- Live plastic -free: The best lunch cans made of stainless steel, glass & wood
- Microplastic filter for washing machines: Is it worth buying?
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