Microplastics — the tiny plastic particles we now know are in our air, food, and water — are no longer just an environmental issue. They’ve become a health issue, too. In the last year, scientists have detected microplastics in human brain tissue and in the plaques that clog arteries, suggesting that these invisible fragments may be affecting us in ways we’ve only just begun to understand. From neurological changes to increased risk of heart attack and stroke, new studies are painting a far more intimate picture of how environmental plastics are making their way into the human body.
Tiny Plastics in the Brain: What We Now Know
In a 2025 study published in Nature Medicine, researchers found microplastics in every human brain sample they examined—and at concentrations up to 20 times higher than in other organs like the liver and kidney. “There’s much more plastic in our brains than I ever would have imagined or been comfortable with,” said lead author Dr. Matthew Campen, a professor at the University of New Mexico.
Even more compelling was the finding that brain samples from people with dementia had significantly higher levels of microplastics than those without cognitive decline. While this doesn't prove causation, it strongly suggests a connection worth exploring.
A second study published in JAMA Network Open discovered microplastics in the olfactory bulb (the brain’s smell center) of more than half the autopsied individuals studied. This finding is especially relevant because the olfactory bulb sits just behind the nose, suggesting that microplastics may enter the brain through inhalation, bypassing the blood-brain barrier entirely.
Researchers are now focused on whether these particles may be contributing to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, or even accelerating diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Microplastics in Arteries and the Risk to Heart Health
Earlier in 2024, the New England Journal of Medicine published another alarming study: microplastics were found embedded in the plaque lining the carotid arteries of 58% of the 257 patients undergoing surgery. The presence of these plastics, mostly polyethylene and PVC, was associated with a 4.5 times greater risk of heart attack, stroke, or death over the following three years.
“This is a landmark trial,” said Dr. Robert Brook, professor of medicine at Wayne State University, who was not involved in the study. “It will be the launching pad for further studies across the world to corroborate, extend, and delve into the degree of risk that micro- and nanoplastics pose.”
What’s still unclear is whether the plastics are actively contributing to plaque instability or simply accumulating in already vulnerable arteries. But researchers noted that microplastic-laden plaques showed higher levels of inflammation, which may increase the risk of rupture, the trigger point for most heart attacks and strokes.
What You Can Do: Minimizing Your Exposure
While we can’t eliminate microplastics from our environment overnight, there are evidence-backed steps we can take to reduce our exposure and potentially lessen the long-term health impacts:
Rethink Your Containers
Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, which can shed particles. Opt for glass or stainless steel whenever possible.
Switch to Tap Water (With a Filter)
A recent analysis found that bottled water contains up to 100 times more microplastics than tap. Consider using a home filter and a reusable bottle.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Many airborne microplastics come from indoor dust and synthetic fabrics. Use HEPA filters in vacuums and air purifiers, and dust frequently.
Limit Fast Fashion and Synthetic Textiles
Clothing made from polyester and nylon sheds plastic fibers with every wash. Opt for natural fibers when possible and use laundry bags that trap microfibers.
Advocate for Change
Supporting community recycling programs, bans on single-use plastics, and research into biodegradable alternatives are systemic actions that can reduce exposure over time.
Conclusion
We now have strong evidence that microplastics are not just floating in oceans—they’re accumulating inside our bodies, from our brains to our arteries. While the science is still emerging, the early findings are compelling enough to warrant concern and action. With plastic production projected to increase in the coming decades, understanding and addressing the health effects of microplastics is no longer optional. It’s essential.
For now, awareness is our best tool. By making informed choices and supporting broader efforts to reduce plastic pollution, we can begin to limit our exposure and advocate for a healthier, more sustainable future—not just for the planet, but for ourselves.
Sources
The New England Journal of Medicine
NIH News in Health
Mayo Clinic News Network
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