"Microplastics are ubiquitous in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe," explain three scientists in the journal "Brain Medicine" as a commentary on previous studies. They emphasize potential risks and focus particularly on how the intake of these microplastic particles can be reduced.

Blood-Brain Barrier Apparently Hardly a Problem for Microplastic Particles

This includes, for example, avoiding plastic bottles. Other examples are the use of ceramic dishes for the microwave and plastic-free tea bags. Another team recently found significantly more tiny plastic particles in liver and brain samples of deceased individuals from the year 2024 than in samples from the year 2016. In the brain, the concentration was also much higher than in the liver or kidneys, reported the group led by Matthew Campen from the University of New Mexico in February in the journal "Nature Medicine". The drastic increase in plastic concentration in the brain within just eight years is extremely worrying, said the lead author of the commentary, Nicholas Fabiano from the University of Ottawa. Particularly small particles, under 0.2 micrometers in size, were discovered in the brain. They mainly consisted of polyethylene, which is found in numerous everyday items. Due to their small size, they can cross the so-called blood-brain barrier. The effects are still unclear. Microplastics are considered to be particles between 1 micrometer (0.001 millimeters) and 5 millimeters. Nanoplastic particles are smaller.

Microplastic Particles in Water and Through Certain Tea Bags

Everyone can reduce their intake of nano- and microplastics themselves, explains the research trio. If a person covers their water needs only from plastic bottles, they could ingest more than 20 times as many particles as someone who only uses tap water, the researchers write, referring to a previous study. Even water from glass bottles contains more plastic particles than tap water, as researchers write in an analysis of 21 studies. This could be caused, among other things, by bottling processes. Another source of micro- and nanoplastics are plastic tea bags. Letting a plastic tea bag steep at 95 degrees can release significant amounts of it, according to the commentary by the research trio. It is therefore better to avoid such tea bags. Additionally, avoiding plastic containers for food can be effective. "Heating food in plastic containers - especially in the microwave - can release large amounts of micro- and nanoplastics," warned co-commentator Brandon Luu from the University of Toronto. Even long-term storage at room temperature or in the refrigerator leads to a significant release of particles, according to the researchers. "Using glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic is a small but significant measure to minimize exposure," said Luu.

Chemicals in Canned Foods

Foods in canned goods can contain substances that originate from plastics, such as Bisphenol-A (BPA). In a study, subjects received canned soups for five consecutive days, after which their BPA levels in urine increased significantly. The authors of the commentary also emphasize: "The duration of these BPA peaks and their health effects are unclear and require further research." Another US study showed that highly processed foods contain significantly more microplastics than minimally processed ones. The trio sees at least one positive finding: "One of the most hopeful aspects of the previous results is the lack of a correlation between age and microplastic accumulation." This suggests that "despite ongoing environmental influences, the body has mechanisms to excrete these particles over time through sweat, urine, and feces."

Many Possible Consequences for the Body from Microplastics

There are indications from cell culture and animal experiments that the plastic particles could promote inflammation, immune disorders, altered metabolism, abnormal organ development, and cancer, the commentators write. However, the study situation is still sparse. Large-scale studies with humans are required to determine the potential danger of microplastics to health. At the same time, studies should better evaluate the effectiveness of various reduction strategies. There are only a few studies on the effects of microplastics in the brain. Campen's team discovered an increased concentration in twelve other brain samples from people with a proven dementia disease. However, the group around Campen emphasizes that the study does not prove a direct cause-effect relationship. It is also conceivable that dementia weakens the blood-brain barrier and thus more microplastics can penetrate, the three commentators write.

(APA/Red)

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