Microplastics in Our Brains

March 16, 2025 / activist360

A conceptual illustration depicting human cognition, featuring a vintage anatomical drawing of a brain within a simple silhouette of a head.

What You Need to Know and How to Reduce Your Exposure

Did you know that tiny plastic particles—called microplastics—are in our food, water, and even the air we breathe? Every day, we are unknowingly consuming and inhaling microplastics. Scientists have now discovered something even more concerning: microplastics are making their way into human brains, and their levels are increasing.

This raises an important question: What does this mean for our health, and what can we do about it? While we may not be able to eliminate microplastics entirely, there are simple steps we can take to reduce our exposure and protect our health. In this article, we’ll break down what microplastics are, how they enter our bodies, the potential health risks, and practical ways to reduce our exposure.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, smaller than 5mm, that come from broken-down plastic waste, synthetic clothing, industrial processes, and food packaging. Because plastic never fully biodegrades, these particles remain in the environment indefinitely, breaking down into even smaller pieces over time.

Common Sources of Microplastics

Microplastics are found in everyday items, including:

Bottled water: Contains significantly more microplastics than tap water.
Seafood: Marine animals ingest microplastics from polluted oceans.
Processed foods: Particularly those packaged in plastic.
Tea bags: Some brands use plastic-based tea bags that release billions of plastic particles into hot water.
Air: Microplastics are floating around in household dust and city pollution.

Since we eat, drink, and breathe microplastics daily, it’s important to understand how they enter our bodies and what harm they may cause.

How Do Microplastics Get into the Human Body?

Microplastics make their way into our bodies through three primary routes:

Eating and Drinking

Bottled water drinkers ingest up to 90,000 microplastic particles per year, compared to 4,000 for tap water drinkers (Cox et al., 2019).
Seafood, processed foods, and canned goods can contain microplastics due to contamination during production and packaging.
Heating food in plastic containers releases billions of plastic particles into the food.

Breathing

Airborne microplastics are present in the air we breathe at home, in offices, and outdoors, particularly in urban areas. Additionally, synthetic clothing sheds plastic fibers into the air when it is washed or worn, further contributing to the inhalation of these particles.

Household Exposure

Cooking and storing food in plastic can cause microplastics to leach into the food we eat. Similarly, plastic tea bags and coffee pods release billions of tiny plastic particles into hot liquids, increasing overall exposure.

Because these tiny particles are everywhere, scientists are now studying how they affect our health—especially our brains.

Are Microplastics Harmful to Our Health?

While research is still ongoing, several studies have raised serious concerns about microplastics in the human body. Here’s what scientists have found so far:

Microplastics in the Brain

A recent study found microplastics in human brain tissue, with levels 3–5 times higher in people with dementia (Nihart et al., 2025). Scientists are unsure whether dementia weakens the brain’s defense, allowing more plastic in, or if microplastics contribute to cognitive decline.

Heart Disease Risk

A study found that people with plastic particles in their arteries had a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes (Marfella et al., 2024).

Gut Health Concerns

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had 1.5 times more microplastics in their stool compared to healthy individuals (Yan et al., 2022). Microplastics may disrupt gut bacteria and contribute to inflammation.

Other Potential Effects

Scientists suspect microplastics may also contribute to:

Hormone disruption: some plastics contain chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system.
Lung irritation: from inhaling airborne microplastics.
Long-term health risks: still being studied.

Since avoiding microplastics completely is impossible, the next best step is reducing exposure where we can.

Easy Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure

While plastic is everywhere, simple daily changes can significantly lower the amount of microplastics we ingest and inhale.

Switch to Tap Water: Drinking tap water instead of bottled water can reduce microplastic intake by over 90%. Use a water filter if concerned about contaminants.
Avoid Heating Food in Plastic: Use glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic. Never microwave food in plastic containers.
Choose Fresh or Frozen Foods Over Canned: Canned foods can release chemicals like BPA, which is linked to hormone disruption. Opt for fresh, frozen, or glass-packaged alternatives.
Use Cloth or Metal Tea Strainers: Avoid plastic tea bags—opt for loose-leaf tea with a stainless steel infuser.
Improve Air Quality: Use a HEPA air filter at home to remove airborne microplastics. Vacuum regularly to reduce plastic dust indoors.

These small changes can make a big difference in reducing everyday exposure.

Can Microplastics Be Removed from the Body?

Right now, scientists don’t know if microplastics can be fully removed from the human body, but some early research suggests:

Sweating may help: Some studies suggest that sweating (through exercise or sauna use) can help excrete plastic-related chemicals like BPA.
Healthy lifestyle choices: Staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods, and regular exercise may help the body naturally eliminate toxins.
Long-term exposure reduction: The best strategy is reducing intake in the first place.

More research is needed, but reducing microplastic exposure now is the safest approach.

Small Changes Make a Big Difference

Microplastics are everywhere, and while we can’t avoid them completely, we can take practical steps to limit exposure and protect our health. By making the choices we suggested above, you can help protect your health while also reducing plastic pollution in the environment.

It’s crucial to hold local, state, and national elected officials accountable for policies that protect your health and the well-being of your loved ones. Be mindful of who you vote for, and once they are in office, advocate for strong regulations that reduce plastic pollution and safeguard public health. Your voice matters—demand action.

Sources: Nihart et al., 2025 – Study on microplastics in the human brain (Nature Medicine). Marfella et al., 2024 – Microplastics and heart disease (New England Journal of Medicine). Cox et al., 2019 – Microplastic consumption (Environmental Science & Technology).

Microplastics in Our Brains?!? What Scientists Have Discovered About Plastic Pollution and Human Health

February 9, 2025 / activist360

Comparison of microplastic accumulation in human organs—brain has 10x more than liver and kidney, visualized with sugar in glass jars.

Microplastic Concentrations in Human Organs: Brain samples contained 7–30 times higher MNP concentrations than liver or kidney tissues. Median MNP concentration in the brain (2024 samples): 4,917 µg/g (range: 4,026–5,608 µg/g). Median MNP concentration in the liver (2024 samples): 433 µg/g. Median MNP concentration in the kidney (2024 samples): 404 µg/g.

Why Should We Care?

Plastic pollution is everywhere. Scientists have found microplastics in our food, drinking water, and even the air we breathe. But a new study has revealed something even more alarming—microplastics are accumulating in human brains!

Researchers found that brain samples contained up to 30 times more microplastics than other organs, raising concerns about long-term health risks. Even more shocking, people with dementia had five times the amount of microplastics compared to those without the disease.

What does this mean for our health? Let’s break it down.

What Did Scientists Find?

A team of researchers studied liver, kidney, and brain samples from people who had passed away. Using advanced technology, they found:

All organs contained microplastics, but the brain had the highest levels—even more than the liver and kidneys, which naturally filter toxins.
The most common type of plastic found was polyethylene (PE)—used in plastic bags, food packaging, and containers.
The average microplastic concentration in the brain was 4,917 µg per gram of tissue—compared to 433 µg/g in the liver and 404 µg/g in the kidneys.

To put the quantity of microplastic concentration into perspective, imagine you’re filling three jars with sugar to represent the amount of microplastics in different organs:

The kidney jar gets a small teaspoon (404 µg/g).
The liver jar gets about the same—just over a teaspoon (433 µg/g).
But the brain jar? You dump in more than 10 times that amount—nearly half a cup (4,917 µg/g)!

Now picture that sugar as tiny plastic shards instead of something sweet. Your brain—one of the most protected organs in your body—is absorbing these particles at a dramatically higher rate than the liver or kidneys, which are designed to filter out waste.

While other organs process and remove toxins, the brain seems to be holding onto plastic, potentially for life. Scientists still don’t know exactly what that means for long-term health, but they do know the levels are rising quickly, and that’s a cause for concern.

This is the first time scientists have confirmed that microplastics are accumulating in the human brain—a place that should be well-protected from foreign substances.

Why Is This a Big Deal?

Plastic doesn’t belong in our bodies, let alone inside our brains! Scientists are especially worried because:

Microplastics in the brain may contribute to neurological diseases. In people diagnosed with dementia, microplastic levels were over 26,000 µg per gram of brain tissue—more than five times higher than in non-dementia cases. These tiny plastics were found inside blood vessel walls and immune cells, suggesting they might be affecting brain function.

Microplastics can bypass the brain’s defense system. The blood-brain barrier normally protects the brain from harmful substances. This study suggests nanoplastics (as small as 100–200 nanometers) may be slipping through, raising concerns about how they could impact brain health over time.

While scientists haven’t proven that microplastics cause diseases like dementia, the fact that they are accumulating in the brain demands more research.

How Do Microplastics Get into Our Bodies?

You may not realize it, but we consume and inhale plastic particles every day. Here’s how they might be reaching our brains:

Breathing in tiny plastic particles from dust, air pollution, and synthetic fabrics.
Eating plastic-contaminated food—studies have found microplastics in seafood, salt, fruits, and vegetables.
Drinking bottled water, which contains nearly double the amount of microplastics as tap water.
Absorption through the bloodstream—scientists believe that some nanoplastics are small enough to pass through protective barriers in our bodies.

Once inside, these plastics don’t just disappear. They may stay trapped in organs like the liver, kidneys, and brain for years.

Has This Problem Gotten Worse?

Yes—dramatically. Scientists compared brain samples from 2016 and 2024 and found that:

Microplastic levels in the brain have increased by nearly 50% in just 8 years.
Similar increases were found in the liver and kidney, suggesting we are all being exposed to more plastic than ever before.
Older brain samples (1997–2013) contained far fewer microplastics than recent ones, proving this is a rapidly growing problem.

With plastic production and pollution continuing to rise, scientists predict that microplastic exposure will only get worse unless major changes are made.

What Can We Do About It?

While the full health effects of microplastics are still unknown, reducing exposure is a smart move. Here’s how:

Use fewer plastics: Switch to reusable bags, glass or metal water bottles, and cloth grocery bags.
Filter your water: Some high-quality filters can remove microplastics from drinking water.
Limit processed foods: Fresh, whole foods are less likely to contain microplastics than packaged and processed foods.
Ventilate your home: Indoor air contains plastic particles from synthetic fabrics and household dust—keeping air clean can reduce inhalation.
Support policies to reduce plastic pollution: Push for laws that limit plastic waste and promote better recycling solutions.

Summing Up

Microplastics are inside our brains, and their levels are rising at an alarming rate. Scientists don’t yet know the full impact on human health, but the findings from this study suggest a need for urgent action. While research continues, the best thing we can do is reduce plastic exposure and push for solutions to stop plastic pollution at its source.

The next time you drink from a plastic bottle or open a plastic-wrapped snack, remember—some of that plastic may never leave your body.

Would you like to see a future where our brains stay plastic-free? At activist360, we sure would!

Nihart, A. J., Garcia, M. A., El Hayek, E., Liu, R., Olewine, M., Kingston, J. D., Castillo, E. F., Gullapalli, R. R., Howard, T., Bleske, B., Scott, J., Gonzalez-Estrella, J., Gross, J. M., Spilde, M., Adolphi, N. L., Gallego, D. F., Jarrell, H. S., Dvorscak, G., Zuluaga-Ruiz, M. E., … & Campen, M. J. (2024). Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nature Medicine. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03453-1?error=cookies_not_supported&code=79978c49-7500-4963-807e-3de1d60b6782

Ghana’s Second-Hand Clothing Industry: A Circular Economy Success Story Unfolding

November 24, 2024 / activist360

Circular image of used segmented used clothing on left with the words Ghana's Second-Hand Clothing Trade Success Story on right

Ghana’s Second-Hand Clothing Trade Success Story. Credit: activist360

Jobs, Revenue, and the Environment: Unpacking Ghana’s Second-Hand Clothing Trade

The second-hand clothing (SHC) industry plays a vital role in Ghana’s economy, providing affordable clothing options and supporting millions of livelihoods. Beyond its economic benefits, this trade represents a sustainable approach to addressing global fashion waste. However, misconceptions about waste and quality often overshadow its positive impact. The Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association published a report earlier this year on the socio-economic and environmental impact of the second-hand clothes trade in Ghana. We take this week’s post as our opportunity dive into the contributions of the SHC trade in Ghana and highlight opportunities for sustainable growth.

The Socio-Economic Benefits of the SHC Trade

Employment Generator

The SHC trade is a significant source of employment in Ghana, directly and indirectly supporting around 2.5 million people. This includes roles such as importers, retailers, tailors, drivers, and waste pickers. These jobs are particularly important for youth and marginalized groups, providing stable income opportunities where few alternatives exist. For many families, this trade is their primary means of livelihood, demonstrating its profound impact on society.

Boosting Government Revenue

The SHC trade not only benefits individuals but also contributes significantly to Ghana’s economy. In 2022, the sector generated $29.5 million in government revenue through import taxes. This amount is noteworthy because it exceeds the funding allocated to major poverty alleviation programs such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) initiative. These revenues are vital for national development and help sustain critical social services.

Affordable Apparel

For most Ghanaians, SHC provides a lifeline to affordable clothing. Approximately 95% of the population relies on second-hand clothing to meet their fashion needs. These clothes are not just inexpensive but also durable, allowing families to allocate their limited resources to other essential expenses, such as education and healthcare. The widespread availability of SHC has made it an integral part of Ghana’s consumer culture.

Environmental Impact and Circular Economy

Promoting Sustainability

One of the greatest advantages of the SHC trade is its contribution to sustainability. By reusing and recycling clothing, the trade reduces the environmental footprint of fast fashion, which is known for generating significant waste and pollution. Each item of clothing that is reused extends its lifecycle, keeping it out of landfills and reducing the demand for new textile production.

Minimal Waste Levels

Contrary to misconceptions, the SHC trade in Ghana generates minimal waste. Research shows that only about 5% of imported second-hand clothing bales are unsellable. Traders often find creative ways to repurpose these items, ensuring that very little ends up as waste. This efficiency is a testament to the industry’s adaptability and its alignment with circular economy principles.

Waste Management Practices

The SHC trade has developed effective strategies to handle unsold items:

Discount sales: Items are sold at reduced prices to clear inventory.
Donations: Unsold clothes are donated to local charities and community groups.
Recycling initiatives: Textiles are repurposed into cleaning materials or industrial inputs, reducing waste and creating additional value.

Addressing Misconceptions

Dispelling the Dumping Myth

A prevalent misconception is that Ghana serves as a dumping ground for low-quality clothing from Western countries. However, evidence suggests otherwise: 95% of imported second-hand clothes are high-quality and suitable for resale. This challenges the narrative that SHC imports are predominantly waste and highlights the rigorous selection processes employed by traders.

Quality Assurance

Importers and retailers in Ghana go to great lengths to ensure the quality of second-hand clothing. They collaborate with trusted suppliers, conduct regular inspections, and adhere to strict industry standards. In fact, 80% of traders follow specific certifications to maintain quality. These efforts ensure that consumers receive valuable and durable clothing.

Challenges and Opportunities

Regulatory and Infrastructure Gaps

Despite its many benefits, the SHC trade faces challenges, particularly in waste management. Ghana lacks robust recycling systems and sustainable disposal infrastructure. Addressing these gaps could enhance the industry’s environmental impact and create new economic opportunities, such as jobs in recycling and upcycling sectors.

Innovations in Upcycling

Upcycling is a growing trend in Ghana, where entrepreneurs transform old or unsellable clothing into higher-value items such as bags, rugs, and accessories. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also creates new revenue streams for small businesses. Encouraging upcycling initiatives could significantly bolster the circular economy in Ghana.

Summing Up

The second-hand clothing trade in Ghana is a shining example of how economic development and sustainability can go hand in hand. By supporting millions of livelihoods, generating significant government revenue, and promoting environmentally friendly practices, the SHC industry addresses critical socio-economic and environmental challenges. Ghana’s transition to a circular economy is an example of how we can build a future where fashion benefits both people and the planet.

Source: Odonkor, S., Metropolitan Research and Education Bureau, & E-volution International. (2024). An evaluation of the socio-economic and environmental impact of the second-hand clothes trade in Ghana. Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association.