If someone told you that you had a plastic spoon in your brain, how would you react? You would probably laugh or scoff at the thought, in total disbelief, but a recent study shows that this may actually be true. Well…not exactly. Microplastics are tiny bits of degraded plastic polymers that are now ubiquitous in our environments. Research has shown that these particles have made their way into our bloodstream and appear to have accumulated in our brains to the extent that they could potentially form a plastic spoon. But how did this happen, and what does it mean for our health?
Over the past eight years, plastic accumulation has increased by 50 per cent. The more plastic waste there is, the more microplastics end up in our bodies. Microplastics are in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Once inhaled or ingested, they can pass through the intestinal walls, into our bloodstream, travelling to vital organs and causing major problems for our health.
The exact impact microplastics have on our health is still unclear. A recent study showed the concentration of microplastics in the brain is six times higher in patients with dementia. It is currently unclear whether it is the damage dementia causes to the brain that has led to this increased accumulation or if it is the increase in microplastic accumulation that has led to the development of dementia. Either way, a link can be established.
Furthermore, microplastics can cause damage to the vascular system. Studies show that in mice, they can cause obstruction in blood vessels. To this day, there is not enough research regarding human bodies, but the presence of foreign particles in the bloodstream can interfere with the normal functioning of vessels, leading to inflammation and potential blockages.
So, what needs to change? In 2022, Scotland issued legislation banning single-use plastics such as cutlery, plates, and drink stirrers. This was an important decision as it has reduced the build-up of new plastic waste. However, this only solves part of the problem, as there is already so much existing waste that is currently degrading to form microplastics. To address this, scientists are working on the development of new biodegradable materials that can be used in place of plastic. More education about this issue is also needed, so more progress can be made, and universities are optimal environments to initiate such campaigns.
Microplastics are alarming, and we don’t currently know the full picture of their effects on the human body. But as public awareness changes, more is being done to fight this problem. As students, we have a few suggestions on what you can do to help. Firstly, it is important to always recycle and reduce your plastic use where possible. Fast fashion is also a major source of microplastics, so buy clothes second-hand or from sustainable brands. By making mindful choices in our daily lives, we can all play a part in reducing microplastic pollution.
Photo by Sören Funk on Unsplash