Microplastics have invaded human organs!
Did you know that microplastics, or tiny bits of plastic, have found their way into practically every region of our body? They’ve been found in our hearts, lungs, and blood! Yikes, that’s kind of scary!
But wait, it gets even crazier—new research by scientists in the USA has revealed that these little pieces of plastic are found even in our brain!
What does the research reveal?
Scientists recently examined many brain samples from early 2024 and found something surprising—there were more tiny plastic bits in these samples than in earlier times!
They discovered that the brain contains more micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) than other organs, like the liver and kidneys. If you took a big scoop of brain tissue, it would have a bit of plastic in it!
Researchers are worried that these tiny plastics might be linked to brain problems like Alzheimer’s. They’re still figuring out how these plastics could affect us, so more studies are required.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics.
Microplastics are tiny bits of plastic smaller than 5 millimetres—about the size of the eraser on a pencil! They form when big pieces of plastic break into smaller pieces.
But there are even smaller bits called nanoplastics, so tiny they’re smaller than human hair! They form when microplastics break down even more.
These tiny plastics can be a big problem. Sea animals might mistake microplastics for food and eat them, which is bad for them. Plus, these little plastics can carry germs and nasty chemicals that can make animals and people sick.
That is why it is critical to help prevent these little plastics from spreading and causing problems!
