Life In Plastic, It’s...Fantastic?

We’ve all heard it - plastic is everywhere. From the packaging on our food to the bottles we drink from, it’s almost impossible to avoid. But have you ever wondered where it goes after it’s thrown away, or worse yet, how it ends up inside of us?

Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic less than five millimeters in size, have become an unsettling part of our everyday lives. In fact, recent research has brought to light something even more concerning: microplastics, specifically polyethylene (a plastic commonly used in packaging and bottles), are showing up in our brains (1). And it’s not just a trace amount - it’s a concentration much higher than in any other bodily organ.

The build up of microplastics in our bodies appears to be rising over time. Between 2016 and 2024, the amount of plastic found in the human brain increased by a staggering 50%. That's not just a little bump in numbers. This suggests that microplastics are steadily finding their way into our systems - and, worse, sticking around for longer than we might like to think.

The implications of this are far from clear, but one alarming finding has caught the attention of researchers: brain tissue from individuals diagnosed with dementia showed up to 10 times as much plastic as those without the condition. Now, that’s something that should make us sit up and pay attention.

But hold on - before we start jumping to conclusions, it’s important to remember that this is just one study. A relatively small study, at that. While the results certainly raise eyebrows, they also come with a big, flashing disclaimer: more research is needed. As interesting and concerning as these findings are, we can’t yet claim that there are definite links between microplastic exposure (like breathing in or eating) and conditions like dementia.

It’s clear that we are only scratching the surface of understanding the impact of microplastics on the human body. While the idea of plastic accumulating in the brain is a chilling thought, we must approach these findings with caution. The study certainly raises important questions, but the jury is still out on how significant a role microplastics might play in neurological diseases.

The good news? Researchers are already hard at work trying to get to the bottom of this. And while we wait for answers, the best thing we can do is stay informed and be mindful of the growing plastic pollution problem. Whether it’s cutting down on single-use plastics, supporting sustainable initiatives, or simply being more aware of the environmental impact, every little action counts.

Because when it comes to plastic, it’s clear - our brains deserve a whole lot more than what’s currently being “packed” inside them.

Kaiya Cherrington

1. Nihart, A.J., Garcia, M.A., El Hayek, E. et al. Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nat Med (2025)