A research concerning microplastics released last week indicates that plastic particle levels in brain samples from 2024 were approximately 50% elevated compared to those from 2016.
Investigations into the health implications of microplastics and nanoplastics are still developing as the body of research is under a decade old. Increased concentrations of plastics in our ecosystem correlate with their augmented presence in humans.
Associate Professor Gregg Stanwood from Florida State University specializes as a developmental neuropharmacologist and behavioral neuroscientist within the College of Medicine. He stated that the microplastics research brings forth critical inquiries regarding the impact of plastics on our well-being, while emphasizing that additional studies are necessary to gain a deeper insight into the outcomes.
“Preliminary evidence from studies conducted on humans, alongside model organisms like isolated cells, zebrafish, and rodents, indicates that microplastic exposure may enhance the risk of serious health issues, including neurodegenerative disorders,” Stanwood remarked. “It’s premature to precisely measure the extent of these additional risks.”
Assistant Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering Jeffrey Farner possesses expertise in microplastics and nanoplastics, focusing on their detection, prevalence, and exposure. He elaborates that their ubiquitous nature in the current environment can be attributed to two factors.
“The first factor is the ongoing rise in global plastic production. Roughly 400 million tons of plastics are manufactured each year, and this figure has shown a year-on-year increase,” Farner stated. “The second factor is that plastic utilization results in release into the environment, both intentionally and due to mismanagement or inadequate waste handling.”
Media inquiries regarding the health-related aspects of the microplastics research can reach out to Stanwood at [email protected].
For questions on the environmental consequences of microplastics, Farner is available at [email protected].
Gregg Stanwood, Associate Professor, FSU College of Medicine
Should consumers be cautious regarding the utilization of plastic products?
“Regrettably, microplastics and other contaminants are significantly widespread in our surroundings. However, there are certain steps consumers can take to minimize their exposure, such as steering clear of single-use plastics like cups, utensils, and straws. Reusable alternatives are preferable. Additionally, individuals should avoid reheating food in plastic containers and refrain from purchasing products with excessive plastic packaging. Advocating for the continuation and broadening of well-regulated national studies will enable these innovative researchers to persist in this vital work.”
Jeffrey Farner, Assistant Professor, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
The research illustrates that microplastic levels are on the rise. How have microplastics become so widespread?
“The primary reason is the escalating production of plastic. We lack a closed ecosystem. A significant aspect is that microplastics can exist either as intentionally manufactured materials or as byproducts of the weathering or disintegration of larger plastics. Only a small portion of microplastics is produced with intent. However, while a plastic bottle or bag isn’t designed to be a microplastic, if it’s discarded or remains exposed in the environment, it will become brittle and decompose, releasing microplastics.
“Over time and with exposure to UV light, heat, and other stressors, these microplastics will fragment into even smaller microplastics and nanoplastics. Plastic does not deteriorate in the environment and simply vanish; it breaks down into microplastics and nanoplastics. This implies that a single item of plastic – be it a bag, bottle, packaging, construction material, or plastic landscape fabric, etc. – can yield millions or even billions of tiny particles that can then be carried by wind, dispersed in water, or mixed into our soils.”
Although much more information is yet to be revealed, what do we currently understand about human exposure to microplastics?
“Human exposure arises from an incredibly broad array of sources, but it fundamentally boils down to what we inhale and what we consume. Our skin is generally highly effective at preventing particles from entering the body. Airborne microplastics and nanoplastics manifest as small particles and fibers which can be either inhaled or land on food or liquids that we ingest. Inhaled microplastics can infiltrate the lungs, and smaller particles are more likely to travel deeper into the lungs and alveoli. For ingested particles, estimates have proposed that we may consume the equivalent of a credit card (approximately 5 grams) each week. These originate from plastics found in the food and beverages we consume, as well as airborne particles that settle on them.”
The article Florida State University experts available for comment on breakthrough microplastics study first appeared on Florida State University News.