Effects of microplastics on health: Plastic has been being used in various ways for many decades and its dangerous results have started emerging. Nowadays, plastic has become the most important cause of pollution. Due to this, pollution is increasing from soil to water. Very small pieces of plastic are called microplastics.
Their size can be less than 5 millimeters or up to 1 nanometer. Microplastics have been found in air, water and food items and have started reaching the human body. The situation is such that plastic particles are accumulating in every part of the human body. These are found from the private parts of the human body to the brain. According to a recent study, in the last 8 years, more and more pieces of plastic have reached the human brain.
According to scientists, about 0.5 percent microplastic has accumulated in people’s brain. Microplastics reaching the human body can have a very dangerous effect on health. Let us know the effects of microplastics on health and what has been revealed in the new research…
Microplastic is accumulating in the brain
According to a report in CNN, in the year 2024, researchers had taken several samples of human brain in the deadbody test and then conducted research on microplastics in it. In this research it was found that compared to the sample taken 8 years ago, the amount of microplastic in the human brain has increased by 50 percent. Scientists involved in the research say that the plastic concentration in the brain tissues of people whose average age was 45 or 50 years was 4800 micrograms per gram, i.e. 0.5% by weight.
Increased risk of brain problems
According to author Matthew Campen, Regents Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of New Mexico, USA and lead author of the study, the risk of brain problems has increased due to the increasing amount of plastic in the brain compared to 2016. However, research is yet to be done on the damage caused by microplastics. More research is still needed to understand the effect of plastic particles on brain cells. It was also revealed that more plastic pieces were accumulated in the brain than in the kidneys and liver.
Where are microplastics found?
Studies conducted so far in this regard have shown that microplastics are accumulating in the human body from heart, blood stream, lungs, liver, private parts to placenta. It is difficult to avoid plastic in today’s life. From smartphones or computers to common household items there is plastic. However, plastic bags and bottles can be avoided. In Richters, brain tissue samples were taken from the frontal cortex. This is the part related to thinking and reasoning and is most affected in dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Health effects of microplastics
Accumulation of microplastics in human body parts increases the risk of cell damage and inflammation. Microplastics can disrupt endocrine functions, leading to hormonal imbalance. The chemicals present in these can cause cancer, reproductive problems and developmental problems. Microplastics can cause intestinal upset, impairing digestion and immunity.
Disclaimer: Some information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you must consult the concerned expert.
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