50% More Microplastics in Human Brains—Protect Your Brain Health Now

The Rise of Microplastics in the Human Brain: What the Science Says

Microplastics, which are created from the breakdown of larger plastic products, pervade our environment including in our air, water, and soil. They are less than 5 millimeters, which is about the size of a pencil-top eraser. Those less than 1 micrometer (µm), or micron, which is about the size of a small dust particle, are considered nanoparticles.

What Recent Studies Reveal About Microplastics in the Brain

In 2024, researchers at the University of New Mexico analyzed tissue samples from the brain, liver, and kidneys of people who passed away in 2016 and 2024. They looked at 28 samples in 2016, and 24 in 2024. Samples from additional cadavers that were at Duke University were also analyzed. The individuals' brains were generally considered "normal".

Researchers learned that shards of microplastics in the brain increased 50% over 8 years. Matthew Campen, a co-leader of the study, explained to CNN that the concentrations in the brain tissue of normal individuals, who had an average age of around 45 or 50 years old, were 4,800 micrograms per gram, or 0.48% by weight, which equates to a standard plastic spoon.

The particles in the brain were mostly nanoscale shards and flakes of plastic. The plastic concentrations in the organs were not influenced by the age of the person at death, or the cause of death, their sex or their ethnicity. (Nihart et al. 2025) For example, brain tissue from people who were older when they died, didn't have more plastic concentrations than brain tissue samples from younger brains, Campen explained in interviews.

In the study, which was, published in the journal Nature Medicine, cadaver brain samples had seven to 30 times more tiny shards of plastic than their kidneys and liver. Scientists theorize this might have something to do with the brain being the fattest organ in the human body and plastics love fat.

How Microplastics Enter the Brain—And Why It’s Concerning

How microplastics enter the brain is still being studied but experts have hypothesized that the increased concentrations of microplastics in the human brain and elsewhere in the body positively correlates with the increased plastic production worldwide.

Campen has discussed in interviews that plastic production doubles every 10-15 years. Dr. Philippe Landrigan, who is the lead author of a March 2023 report from the Minderoo – Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health, a global consortium of scientists, health-care workers, and policy analysts charged with following plastics from creation to final product, frames it another way, “More than half of all plastic ever made has been made since 2002 and production is on track to double by 2040.”

The blood brain barrier generally protects the brain from toxic substances in the body. Under certain conditions, like those with dementia, the blood brain barrier is more permeable. 

According to Prof Tamara Galloway at the University of Exeter in the UK, who was not part of the study team, the 50% increase in microplastics in the brain over the past eight years parallels the increasing production and use of plastics. Galloway says that the data suggests that, “if we were to reduce environmental contamination with microplastics, the levels of human exposure would also decrease, offering a strong incentive to focus on innovations that reduce exposure.” 

In an interview with Katie Couric, Campen discussed studies on fish in water with high concentrations of microplastics. It revealed that the fish' body burden of microplastics decreased when the fish were in "cleaner" water. But the concentrations of microplastics in the fish also increased with more plastic in their water. This suggests that fish can eliminate microplastics—that their bodies equalize with their environment—and it reinforces to me that detoxing your home can decrease your body burden. This is definitely true of other toxic exposures like BPA and phthalates, which your body can eliminate but if your exposure is constantly high then your body burden of them stays elevated too.

How Do Microplastics Cross the Blood-Brain Barrier?

Again, more research is needed to understand how microplastics cross the blood brain barrier but some researchers hypothesize that microplastics may enter the brain by binding with lipids (fats) during digestion, then traveling through the bloodstream, crossing the blood brain barrier, and accumulating in lipid-rich brain tissues.

From my study of electromagnetic fields, I'm mindful of the scientists who know that wireless radiation weakens the blood brain barrier, thus making it even easier for toxic substances like microplastics or nanoplastics to penetrate the blood brain barrier and travel to more places within the human body. You can learn more from the following Practical Nontoxic Living podcast episodes:

• #24: Protect Your Brain and Body from 5G and Other EMFs with Dr. Devra Davis
• #17: EMF Protection | Practical Tips from a Former Telecommunications Engineer

Microplastics and Dementia: Is There a Link?

The study also uncovered a striking correlation between elevated microplastic levels and dementia. Brain tissues from those with dementia contained up to ten times more microplastics than those without the condition. However, there is no evidence yet that the presence of microplastics causes dementia. It's highly likely that the effects of dementia makes it easier for microplastics and nanoplastics to penetrate the blood brain barrier and accumulate in the brain. Campen explains that “dementia is a disease where the blood brain barrier and clearance mechanisms are impaired,” and the inflammatory cells and atrophy of brain tissue with dementia may create “a sort of sink for plastics to go.” (LaMotte 2025)

Health Risks of Microplastics Beyond the Brain

While there is still not enough studies on how human health, development, and reproduction is influenced by the presence of microplastics in us, preliminary data links them to cardiovascular disease and preterm birth. (Nihart et al. 2025)

Microplastics and nanoplastics have been detected in other human organs like the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, reproductive organs (male and female), blood, semen, breast milk, placentas, and bone marrow.

Health Risks From Microplastics in the Brain and Body

While there are many more questions than answers about how microplastics and nanoplastics influence human health, development, and reproduction, we know that plastics of any size carry thousands of chemicals that are in plastics—such as bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, heavy metals and per- and polyfluorinated substances, or PFAS—and some of these are known to contribute to endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, cancer, and more. Landrigan has said that plastics are associated with harming human health at every stage of the plastic lifecycle. 

Campen has pointed out that there's some "compelling evidence" that cancer (like colon and breast cancer) among those under age 50 may be related to our growing exposure to plastics. Cancer rates for those under age 50 has been increasing since 1994, which is such a "weird and clear inflection point." Other epidemiological trends: Mortality rates from epilepsy rates has increased pretty steeply over the past 10 years and multiple sclerosis.

Detoxing Microplastics: Can You Remove Them from Your Body?

It's too soon to know. More studies are needed to understand if human brains can detox microplastics. However, there is hope that some microplastics can be eliminated from other organs. Researchers saw signs that the body’s liver and kidneys may be capable of eliminating some plastics from the body. 

Again, the fish study mentioned earlier indicates that it's possible that the body burden of microplastics could maybe decrease with a less contaminated environment.

How to Protect Your Brain from Microplastic Accumulation

While scientists, researchers, policy makers, organizations, and regulators figure out how to regulate plastic production, you can reduce your consumption and use of plastics from your home and lifestyle. The best way to protect your brain from microplastic accumulation is to avoid exposure to plastic!

Everyday Habits to Reduce Microplastic Exposure

The most common plastic found was polyethylene, which is used in plastic bags and food and drink packaging. It made up 75% of the total plastic on average. So one habit you can modify to reduce microplastic exposure is to: Choose alternatives to plastic bags, containers, and packaging. Whenever possible, select products with minimal or no plastic, especially in products touching your food and drinks, to reduce ingestion of microplastics.

Given the ubiquitous presence of microplastics, complete avoidance is challenging. While Campen doesn't think plastic exposure from plastic water bottles, food containers, and cutting boards is meaningful for protecting the brain, there are other reasons to avoid those plastic products (like to avoid endocrine disrupting chemicals). Below are proactive steps to minimize plastic exposure, which also detoxes our Homes.

Plastics in Food, Water, and Air: Where Exposure Comes From

Ingestion of microplastics—drinking beverages contaminated with microplastics and eating microplastics in food or through the dust on our finger tips—is considered the primary pathway into humans, with inhalation being another major route as well as dermal absorption. The following tips can help you reduce your ingestion of microplastics in your food, water, and air.

• Avoid plastic food containers, beverage containers, and food packaging. Plastic particles and their chemicals can leach into the food or beverages they contain so avoid plastic containers and packaging as much as possible.
• Avoid Heating Food in Plastic Containers. When you're not avoiding plastic food containers or food packaging materials, avoid heating them because heat can cause plastics to leach toxic chemicals and perhaps microplastics into food.
• Opt for glass containers, especially when microwaving. I prefer glass containers that are designed to be safe in the refrigerator, freezer, and oven. Stainless steel food containers are good for children or on-the-go needs. Read more here in this article "Choosing the Best Glass Containers for Non-Toxic Living: A Comprehensive Guide" or shop the Ruan Living Amazon store.
• Use nontoxic water bottles. Plastic water bottles can release microplastics into the water. Switching to reusable bottles made of stainless steel or glass can reduce this risk. Read more in this article "Microplastics in plastic bottled water versus tap water."
• Buy the best air purifier you can afford for your sleep areas. Ideally, your whole house experiences air filtration. If that's not realistic for your home, then prioritizing your sleep areas is a wise approach. See which air purifier I use for my family "SHOP THE BEST AIR PURIFIER FOR HOME."

Filtering Your Water: Best Options for Microplastic Removal

Using a high-quality water filter can help remove microplastics from tap water, reducing ingestion. Your best options include reverse osmosis and perhaps other filtering materials (like activated charcoal), and a stage to remineralize, or rebalance, your drinking water. D-Tox Academy members: Login to see guidance on finding your best water filter in the Water Detox section of Pillar 2 Home Detox 101.

De-clutter Your Home to Remove Sources of Toxicity.

The benefits of de-cluttering can't be overstated. Below are a couple of tips for the purposes of detoxing your home.

• Edit your home. Generally, "stuff" pollutes. Having fewer things can mean fewer sources of toxicity. Less stuff also makes it easier to vacuum toxic dust.
• Practice the Love Test. Remove things in your home that you don't love or need, especially plastic things. This is what I call the Love Test. Most things pollute the indoor environment. Having less stuff also makes it easier to clean your indoor environment. 

Best Foods & Supplements to Support Microplastic Detox

Science does not yet know which foods or supplements can eliminate microplastics but you can support your body's natural detoxification processes with some commonsense approaches:

• Exercise regularly
• Take baths
• Spend time in infrared saunas. Learn more about infrared saunas can make your elimination of toxins more efficient, listen to Practical Nontoxic Living podcast episode #33: Infrared saunas: Optimize benefits. An interview with the founder of Sunlighten.
• Get regular, high quality sleep. Listen to episode #48 to learn more water and sleep tips: Detox Your Home's Water and Sleep Areas
• Eat a nutrient-dense diet with minimal toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Tips are below and the 40-Day Home Detox masterclass with Elissa Goodman is an excellent resource as well.

Best Foods to Avoid to Avoid Microplastics

While it's hard to know what to consume to help eliminate microplastics, we know of certain food groups to avoid:

• Limit Consumption of Processed Foods: Processed foods often come in plastic packaging and often contain higher levels of microplastics for several reasons. Choosing fresh, whole foods can decrease your microplastic exposure.
• Limit meats in your diet. Campen's #1 tip, though he says that he doesn't have data to support this, is to limit your meat consumption. Microplastics have been found to be higher in commercial meats, so limiting meat consumption is his #1 tip to avoid microplastics in your diet. 

Key Nutrients That Help Your Body Eliminate Microplastics

Again, scientists do not yet have enough information to understand which foods or nutrients could help your body eliminate microplastics but cilantro, chlorella, cruciferous vegetables, and omega-3-rich foods may help detoxification of microplastics. These foods are known to support the body's natural detoxification processes and reduce inflammation. Incorporating them into your diet may aid overall health and resilience against various toxicants.

• Cilantro: This herb has been studied for its potential to bind heavy metals and assist in their excretion. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that cilantro extract could enhance the removal of lead from the body in animal models.
• Chlorella: This freshwater algae is rich in chlorophyll and has been researched for its detoxifying properties. Research in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health indicates that chlorella supplementation may aid in reducing the body burden of certain persistent pollutants.
• Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that support liver detoxification enzymes. A study in the Journal of Nutrition demonstrated that consuming cruciferous vegetables can modulate detoxification pathways, enhancing the elimination of potential carcinogens.
• Omega-3-Rich Foods: Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, possess anti-inflammatory properties. Research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and may protect against toxin-induced oxidative stress.

Incorporating these foods into a balanced diet may support your body's natural detoxification processes and overall health. Generally, eating a nutrient-dense, fiber-rich diet that's made of the most natural, organic, whole foods is helpful.

Protect Your Blood Brain Barrier From Wireless Radiation

Wireless radiation can weaken the blood brain barrier, which medical interventions sometimes use for treatment, like in cancer treatments. Avoid placing wireless radiation next to your brain, like from your cell phone, because radiation weakens with distance. Look out for more on this in an upcoming blog article and Practical Nontoxic Living podcast episode.

Support Systemic Change

While personal actions are essential, addressing the broader issue of microplastic pollution requires systemic change. Advocating for policies that reduce plastic production and promote sustainable alternatives is crucial. Supporting organizations and initiatives focused on environmental protection can amplify efforts to combat plastic pollution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the increasing presence of microplastics in the human brain, particularly among individuals with dementia, underscores the need for further research into potential health impacts. By adopting personal protective measures and supporting broader environmental initiatives, individuals can contribute to reducing microplastic exposure and its associated risks. The 40-Day Home Detox guides you to hunt for six Household Repeat Offenders including plastics. For about a week, you're guided to discover the many ways that plastics show up in your life. Click here to learn more about 40-Day Home Detox and remember that D-Tox Academy shares specific product swaps or behavioral changes that can reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and electromangetic fields from what you buy, own, and do.

If you want guidance and support in detoxing your home, check out Ruan Living Offerings. There's a variety of resources and programs including my personal guidance.

Select Sources

Campen M, Nihart A, Garcia M, Liu R, Olewine M, Castillo E, Bleske B, Scott J, Howard T, Gonzalez-Estrella J, Adolphi N, Gallego D, Hayek EE. Bioaccumulation of Microplastics in Decedent Human Brains Assessed by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Res Sq [Preprint]. 2024 May 6:rs.3.rs-4345687. doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4345687/v1. Update in: Nat Med. 2025 Feb 3. doi: 10.1038/s41591-024-03453-1. PMID: 38765967; PMCID: PMC11100893.

ChatGPT, OpenAI, February 14, 2025.

Katie Couric. "Microplastics are accumulating in human brains at an alarming rate." YouTube video, 27:26. Posted February 6, 2025. https://youtu.be/0PT5c1z3LL8?si=-p7LUhrcqdG-W6Sq.

LaMotte, S. (2025) Human brain samples contain an entire spoon’s worth of nanoplastics, study says, CNN. Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/03/health/plastics-inside-human-brain-wellness (Accessed: 17 February 2025).

Nihart, Alexander J., Marcus A. Garcia, Eliane El Hayek, Rui Liu, Marian Olewine, Josiah D. Kingston, Eliseo F. Castillo, et al. 2025. “Bioaccumulation of Microplastics in Decedent Human Brains.” Nature Medicine, February. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03453-1.