A recent study discussing nanoplastic accumulation in the body is making headlines. In this post, we look at the headlines and provide clarity.
Top Takeaways:
- Nanoplastics found in human organs highlight the need for further study to determine if there are adverse health impacts.
- Current research shows rising plastic concentrations in human tissues over time, pointing to the need for further research.
- Scientists are learning how microplastics and nanoplastics impact our bodies and our health.
What do the headlines say about microplastics and nanoplastics and our health?
- You might have a spoon’s worth of microplastics – in your brain.
- Researchers found a spoon’s worth of nanoplastics in human brains — the latest evidence that plastic is accumulating in our bodies
- Your Brain Could Be Holding A Spoon’s Worth Of Microplastics
- The Human Brain May Contain as Much as a Spoon’s Worth of Microplastics, New Research Suggests
- Human brain samples contain an entire spoon’s worth of nanoplastics, study says
These are just a few of the many headlines circulating in our newsfeeds this week. While much remains unknown about the health effects of microplastics and nanoplastics, let’s explore what the science tells us so far.
What is the difference between microplastic and nanoplastic?
Microplastics are plastic particles ranging from 500 micrometers (µm) down to 1 micrometer in length, while nanoplastics are even smaller, with sizes ranging from 1 nanometer (nm) to less than 1 micrometer in length.
For example, microplastics are approximately the size of a grain of salt, while nanoplastics are akin to a single virus particle size.
This size distinction is important because it can determine where we can find the plastic particulates in the body.
How are microplastics and nanoplastics formed?
Microplastics and nanoplastics form when larger plastic items break down over time through
- everyday wear, like using plastic bags and washing synthetic clothes.
- sunlight exposure causing plastics to deteriorate in oceans and landfills.
- heat from industrial processes or microwaving plastic containers.
- chemical reactions like found with pollutants, oxygen, or saltwater.
- microorganisms like bacteria can degrade plastics, though slowly and incompletely.
How do microplastics and nanoplastics get into our bodies?
We are exposed to micro- and nanoplastics through many different exposure routes.
- Inhalation: Breathing in airborne plastics (e.g., plastic particulates from clothing)
- Ingestion: Consuming substances through eating or drinking (e.g., residue from packaging)
- Dermal (Skin) Contact: Absorbing substances through the skin (e.g., cosmetic product packaging)
What does the paper say about microplastics and nanoplastics?
The paper confirms that microplastics and nanoplastics are present in human organs.
However, the researchers focus on nano-size plastic fragments found in the body.
The researchers located nanoplastic-sized particulates in the livers and kidneys of research subjects. They noticed the nanoplastics were grouped together to form a micro-sized plastic aggregate.
Researchers found nano-sized plastic material in the brain. This finding demonstrates that the small size of nanoplastics means they can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Significantly, the study showed that concentrations of microplastic and nanoplastic have increased over time, with tissue samples from 2024 showing higher concentrations of these particulates than samples from 2016.
Is there a plastic spoon of plastic in my brain?
While the study suggests there is a plastic spoon full of nanoplastic material in the brain, other experts in the space worry that the methodology used to identify the nanoplastics may also show specific types of short-chain fatty acids that are currently nearly indistinguishable from nanoplastic.
So, while we know there is nanoplastic in the human brain, the exact quantity is unclear.
What happens when we’re exposed to microplastics and nanoparticles?
Research on the health impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics is ongoing. While most plastic particles are likely expelled through the body’s natural elimination systems, this study reveals that some nanoplastics can persist and accumulate in our organs, including the brain.
Further research is needed to understand the potential health risks associated with this accumulation.
Are microplastics and nanoplastics in the body causing illnesses and diseases?
At this point in time, we do not know the effect of microplastic and nanoplastic on our body. This paper demonstrates the need for further research into this space before we can determine the impact on our health.
Are microplastics and nanoplastics regulated?
Currently, microplastics and nanoplastics are not regulated due to a lack of conclusive scientific data.
More research is needed to fully understand their impact on human health and the environment before informed policies and regulations can be developed.
Can I avoid microplastic and nanoplastic?
It’s impossible to altogether avoid microplastics and nanoplastics due to their widespread presence in the environment.
However, we can reduce our exposure through simple steps. For example, we can
- avoid heating food in plastic containers.
- choose natural fiber clothing over synthetic material.
- drink filtered tap water instead of bottled water.
Keep in mind, these particles are pervasive in the air, water, and food we consume, making total avoidance unlikely.
The good news.
While the presence of nanoplastics is concerning, there is no conclusive evidence yet linking them to specific illnesses or diseases. Ongoing research will provide clearer answers so we can learn more about potential health impacts.
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Learn more: citations and further readings.
Center for Research on Ingredient Safety. (2024 June 10) Everyday toxicology: Exposure. Michigan State University. https://cris.msu.edu/news/everyday-toxicology/everyday-toxicology-exposure
Center for Research on Ingredient Safety. (2024 January 29) Real-time science: What’s plastic? Michigan State University. https://cris.msu.edu/news/real-time-science/real-time-science-whats-plastic
Nihart, A.J., Garcia, M.A., El Hayek, E. et al. Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nat Med (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03453-1
Zarus, G., Muianga, C., Hunter, C., & Pappas, R. (2020). A review of data for quantifying human exposures to micro and nanoplastics and potential health risks. The Science of the total environment, 756, 144010 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144010.