The Hidden Dangers of Microplastics in Your Brain and How to Avoid Them

Microplastics in the Brain: How Can We Reduce Exposure?

The issue of microplastics has gained significant attention in recent years as new research continues to highlight their potential impact on human health. One of the most concerning revelations from recent studies is the discovery that microplastics may be finding their way into our brains, potentially affecting brain health and overall neurological function. As microplastic pollution continues to escalate globally, scientists are urgently seeking ways to understand and reduce exposure to these microscopic particles.

A recent commentary article published in Brain Medicine explores the links between microplastics and human health, with a particular focus on their presence in the brain. This article brings attention to an urgent question: How can we reduce exposure to microplastics in our daily lives?

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic, typically measuring less than five millimeters in size. They result from the gradual breakdown of larger plastic items like bottles, bags, and packaging materials. Since plastics are non-biodegradable, they persist in the environment, fragmenting into smaller and smaller particles. Microplastics can enter our bodies through various channels, including ingestion, inhalation, and even absorption through the skin.

Because microplastics can vary in size and composition, they pose a significant challenge when it comes to avoiding them. They are small enough to be ingested by virtually any living organism, and they are found everywhere— from the air we breathe to the food we eat. Research has shown that microplastics are present in human blood, lungs, and even in the brain.

Microplastics in the Brain: A Growing Concern

New studies reveal that microplastics are making their way into the human brain, and their presence there could have significant implications for neurological health. In 2024, a study found that human brains contain higher levels of microplastics than any other organ, and in some cases, the levels of microplastics in the brains of individuals who passed away in 2024 were 50% higher than in those who passed away just eight years earlier.

This discovery is alarming because the brain is a particularly sensitive organ. The presence of microplastics in the brain could have a variety of effects, potentially contributing to cognitive decline, inflammation, and other neurological disorders. However, the full extent of the impact of microplastics on brain health is still being explored, and further research is needed to determine whether these particles contribute to conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, or other cognitive impairments.

How to Reduce Exposure to Microplastics

Given that it’s nearly impossible to avoid microplastics entirely, researchers and experts suggest a number of ways to reduce our exposure to these tiny particles. Below, we outline some practical and science-backed strategies to limit your intake of microplastics, based on the recent commentary in Brain Medicine and insights from environmental health experts.

1. Switching to Tap Water
A study in the Environmental Science and Technology journal found that switching from bottled water to tap water could reduce an individual’s intake of microplastics from 90,000 particles per year to just 4,000. Bottled water is one of the most significant sources of microplastics, second only to the air we breathe. By avoiding bottled water and drinking tap water, you can drastically reduce your exposure to microplastics.

Interestingly, a simple yet effective method to reduce microplastics in water involves boiling the water and then pouring it through a coffee filter. This process has been shown to remove up to 90% of microplastics from water.

2. Be Careful with Teabags
Many teabags contain plastic—a fact that surprised many tea drinkers. In a 2019 study, teabags were found to release over 14 billion microplastic particles into hot water when steeped. If you enjoy tea, it might be wise to choose plastic-free teabags or switch to loose-leaf tea to avoid the risk of microplastic contamination.

3. Reducing Exposure at Home
Microplastics are most prevalent in our homes, as materials made from nylon, polyester, and other synthetic fibers continuously shed microplastic particles. Items such as clothing, furniture, curtains, and rugs can contribute significantly to the microplastic load in your living environment.

Experts like Aidan Charron from Global Earth Day recommend sweeping or vacuuming regularly to reduce microplastic accumulation. Moreover, opting for natural fibers for items like bedding, towels, and carpets can also help. Natural materials such as cotton, wool, and linen shed far fewer microplastics compared to synthetic fibers.

Additionally, Lisa Erdle, PhD, from the 5 Gyres Institute, suggests installing a microfiber-catching filter on your washing machine to capture microplastics released during laundry.

4. Avoiding Plastic Utensils in the Kitchen
When heating food in plastic containers, microplastics can leach directly into the food, potentially contributing to ingestion. To reduce exposure, experts recommend avoiding microwaving food in plastic containers and opting for natural materials like glass, wood, or bamboo for cooking and serving utensils. Replacing plastic utensils and straws with alternatives made of stainless steel or wood can also help minimize your exposure to microplastics.

5. Reducing Beauty Product Use
The beauty and personal care industries are significant contributors to microplastic pollution. Many cosmetics and toiletries contain plastic microbeads, tiny plastic particles used for exfoliating. Although the U.S. has banned microbeads in rinse-off products, they are still present in many leave-on cosmetics like lotions and creams. Choosing products without microbeads or opting for natural exfoliants is one way to reduce your exposure to plastic-based pollutants in personal care products.

6. Avoiding Ultra-Processed Foods
Many ultra-processed foods come in plastic packaging, which increases the likelihood of microplastic contamination. Experts suggest avoiding packaged, ultra-processed foods where possible and focusing on fresh, whole foods that are less likely to have absorbed microplastics during manufacturing and packaging.

Is There Hope for the Future?

Despite the mounting concerns about microplastic pollution, there is some hope for the future. Biodegradable materials and alternative packaging solutions may eventually help reduce society's reliance on plastics. However, the challenge lies in making these materials functional and cost-effective replacements for plastic.

Erdle remains hopeful that biomaterials—such as plant-based plastics and materials derived from renewable resources—may help replace plastics in the future. However, these materials are still in the early stages of development, and there is no immediate solution on the horizon.

In the meantime, reducing exposure to microplastics remains crucial, and by following the practical steps outlined above, we can help protect ourselves from the potential health risks of these microscopic pollutants.

Conclusion

The discovery that microplastics can accumulate in the human brain is a concerning development in the ongoing conversation about plastic pollution. While there is still much to learn about the long-term effects of microplastics on brain health, it’s clear that reducing exposure is critical. By making informed choices about the products we use, the water we drink, and the food we eat, we can begin to mitigate our exposure to these pervasive pollutants and take steps toward safeguarding our health.