Listen to Story Scientists are discovering microplastics accumulating in several human organs, including the brain. Tiny shards that cannot be seen through the naked eye have infiltrated the intestines, lungs, placenta, reproductive organs, liver, kidneys, knee and elbow joints, blood vessels and bone marrow. These microplastics, which are smaller than 5 millimetres in length (almost the size of a pencil eraser), present in the human body are a result of various factors including devastating plastic pollution.
While researchers have not well-defined the health hazards of microplastics, recent studies have shown that a higher amount of microplastics can lead to oxidative stress in the body, which can lead to cell damage and heart disease. With microplastics present in the placenta , it is feared that these tiny shards could enter newborns as well. Animal studies have shown that microplastics are linked to fertility issues, cancers and immune system disruption.
A recent study has given rise to growing concern about the health issues associated with microplastics. The study, which shows the presence of microplastics in the human brain tissue, was published in the National Institutes of Health in the preprint version. It is undergoing peer review.
With microplastics present in placenta, it is feared that these tiny shards could enter newborns as well. (Photo: Getty Images) The researchers found that 24 samples of 91 samples of brain tissue, which were collected in early 2024, mea.