Microplastics were found in the human brain

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Polyamide and nylon are similar microplastics and are both often used for textiles like clothing and carpets.
Key Background In recent years, microplastics have been traced from their disposal in the ocean and in landfills to human bodies.
Studies have found that people can ingest microplastics directly, including through crops, fish and plastic food containers, which could leach microplastics into the food they hold.
The European Union announced last year they would ban microplastics that are added to new products to help curb microplastic pollution.
Tangent Microplastics have been found in human blood, hearts, the reproductive systems of men, lungs and liver tissues, mother’s milk and the placenta, among other organs.
One study published earlier this year linked higher mortality rates to people with high levels of microplastics in their arteries.
That’s how the estimated number of microplastics particles ingested by the average human every year, the Guardian reported.
Other studies indicate the average human will ingest about 5 grams of plastic every week.

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According to a new study published on Monday in the journal JAMA Network Open, microplastics have been found in brain tissue above the nose, suggesting a likely pathway for microscopic plastic shards and fibers to enter the brain after they have already been found in nearly every organ in the human body.

Important Details.

Surprising Fact.

Polypropylene was the most often discovered plastic type, followed by nylon, polyamide, and polyethylene vinyl acetate. Polypropylene is frequently utilized in the production of cleaning product packaging, furniture, apparel, and rugs. Similar microplastics, nylon and polyamide, are frequently used in textile products like carpets and clothes. When making products like adhesives, paints, or plastic wrap, polyethylene vinyl acetate is employed as a flexible plastic.

Important Backstory.

Microplastics have been linked in recent years to human bodies from their disposal in landfills and the ocean. Plastic pellets, single-use bottles, food packaging, and plastics used to make toys, packaging, car parts, and other products break down into tiny pieces of plastic called microplastics, which are less than five millimeters in length. According to studies, people can directly consume microplastics through food containers made of plastic that may leach microplastics into the food they hold, fish, and crops. In an effort to reduce the pollution caused by microplastics, the European Union declared last year that it would outlaw the addition of microplastics to new products. A comparable initiative to reduce microplastic contamination in the U.S. S. was proposed in 2020, but it was not taken up by the House.

Tangent.

Microplastics have been detected in human blood, hearts, male reproductive systems, liver and lung tissues, breast milk, and the placenta, among other organs. Previous research has connected microplastics to a number of health problems, including reduced fertility, weight gain, endocrine disruption, metabolic disorders, neurotoxicity, and inflammation of the lungs. A study released earlier this year connected individuals with high artery microplastic levels to increased mortality rates.

High Number.

Fifty thousand. According to a report by the Guardian, this is the approximate amount of microplastic particles that are consumed by the average person annually. According to other studies, the typical person consumes roughly 5 grams of plastic each week.

Additional Reading.

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