A new study, published in the magazine Nature Medicine, revealed the presence of microplastics in the brain, liver and kidneys of humans, highlighting a growing phenomenon that could have worrying implications for health. The research, conducted by the American University for the Health Sciences of New Mexico and led by Professor Matthew Campen, analyzed samples taken during autopsies made in 2016 and 2024, finding an increase in the concentration of microplastics in the most recent samples.
A growing problem
The researchers examined the fabrics of 52 individuals, focusing on plastic particles of size between one millionth and one billionth of the meter. All the samples analyzed showed the presence of microplastics, with a significantly higher concentration in the brain. The comparison between the data collected in 2016 and the most recent ones highlighted an increase over time of the presence of these materials within the human body.
The study comes after a previous discovery that had shown how microplastics could block the blood flow in the brain of mice even for several weeks. Now, with the confirmation of their presence in the human brain, new questions emerge on the long -term effects of these health particles. In particular, researchers observed that individuals suffering from dementia showed higher levels of microplastics than others, a fact that needs further insights.
Because new in -depth studies are needed
Despite the worrying results, the authors of the study point out that the research shows an association between the presence of microplastics and some health effects, but does not demonstrate a direct cause-effect relationship. To obtain a clearer understanding, investigations will be needed on a wider number of individuals from different populations.
This study represents an additional alarm bell on the spread of microplastics in the environment and their growing presence in the human body. The daily exposure to these materials, through nutrition and inhalation, could have repercussions still unknown on public health. An eventuality underlined for years by experts who attract attention to the need to reduce plastic pollution and to develop strategies to limit exposure to these potentially harmful particles.