A newstudy published in Nature Medicine found that the human brain may contain as much plastic as a whole spoonful of nanoplastics. Researchers discovered extremely high levels of tiny plastic particles in brain samples taken from people who passed away in early 2024.

Their analysis says that the amount of plastic in human brains is increasing over time. The study also found that brain samples contained 7 to 30 times more plastic than the kidneys and liver.

According to Matthew Campen, a co-lead author of the study and professor at the University of New Mexico, the amount of plastic found in the brain tissue of healthy individuals aged around 45 to 50 was about 4,800 micrograms per gram or 0.48% by weight. He explained that this is roughly equal to the weight of a standard plastic spoon.

Campen noted that the amount of plastic found in the brain samples was about 50% higher than in autopsy samples from 2016. "That means our brains today are 99.5% brain and the rest is plastic," he added.

The study also found thatpeoplewho had been diagnosed with dementia had higher levels of microplastics in their brains compared to those without the condition.

Campen acknowledged that the results of the study are concerning but pointed out that dementia weakens the blood-brain barrier and the body's ability to clear waste. This could make it easier for plastics to accumulate in the brain.

He also pointed out that dementia causes brain inflammation and tissue loss, which might create "a sort of sink for plastics to go." However, he cautioned against jumping to conclusions, emphasizing that while microplastics are higher in dementia patients, there is no evidence yet that they cause the disease.

Phoebe Stapleton, a professor at RutgersUniversity, was not involved in the study but said that finding plastic in the brain doesn’t necessarily mean it causes harm.

She explained that scientists still don’t know if these plastic particles move in and out of the brain or if they build up and contribute to diseases. More research is needed to understand their effects on brain cells and whether they are harmful.

Microplastics and nanoplastics come from broken-down plastic items like packaging, clothing, and tyres. These tiny particles are everywhere and have even been found in human blood, poop, lungs, and placentas.

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