The impact of microplastics on our brains: an exploration

In a report published by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, policy decisions regarding microplastics are urged to be made without waiting for complete data, as the ubiquity of these tiny plastic fragments in the environment and their potential health risks are becoming increasingly apparent.

Microplastics have been detected in various environments, including air, water, food, and even in the brains of mice, as evidenced by a study published in Science Advances in January. However, current evidence suggests no harm from microplastics in the brain, according to Jones.

While definitive causal links between microplastics and specific human diseases remain under investigation, accumulating evidence points towards potential health risks. Observational studies associate microplastics buildup with increased risks of cancer, fertility issues, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and neurological impacts. Microplastics may also carry toxic chemical additives and environmental pollutants that disrupt endocrine systems, impair cellular functions, or promote disease processes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) concluded in a review in 2022 that the current evidence is insufficient to definitively determine human health risks from microplastics. Most health-related microplastic research has been observational or based on animal models, making cause-effect conclusions challenging.

To address these uncertainties, ongoing efforts are underway. These include enhancing measurement of microplastic concentrations, particularly in air and drinking water, conducting laboratory and animal studies to clarify mechanisms of microplastic toxicity, bioaccumulation, and systemic effects, and reviews and risk assessments to inform policies. Investigations are also being conducted into vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and workers exposed to high plastic levels.

The increasing ubiquity of microplastics is a key issue in the world's first plastic pollution treaty. As the amount of plastic the world produces has doubled since 2000 and is expected to triple from current rates by 2060, the potential threat microplastics could pose requires action.

While the effects of microplastics on human health are not fully understood, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine last year found a link between microplastics building up in blood vessels and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in patients with a disease that clogs arteries. Another prominent study published in the journal Nature Medicine found an increase in microplastics in brain tissue samples over time. Chinese researchers have even found that microplastics can cause rare blood clots in the brains of mice.

However, it is important to note that most research into the effects of microplastics on health is observational and cannot establish cause and effect. For instance, the study that found microplastics in mouse brains should be interpreted with care, as other researchers have urged. Additionally, there is currently not enough data to make firm conclusions on the occurrence of microplastics in New Mexico, let alone globally.

In summary, while microplastics are confirmed to enter the human body and have plausible harmful effects through physical presence and associated chemicals, definitive causal health impact data remain incomplete. Therefore, research continues actively with a focus on better exposure assessment, biological effects study, and early policy action to mitigate potentially serious public health issues. The precautionary principle is often cited by health experts, emphasising the need for action given the potential threat microplastics could pose.

Despite ongoing research, definitive causal links between microplastics and specific human diseases are yet to be established.
The Environmental Science field is investigating the potential health risks associated with microplastics, including impacts on mental health, reproductive health, and cardiovascular health.
The Arts and Health-and-wellness sectors are keeping informed about climate change and microplastics, recognizing their potential implications on public health.
As microplastics are increasingly found in various environmental samples, including food, water, and even the environment, the continued advancement of Environmental Science is crucial in addressing this global concern.