Human brains contain an entire plastic spoon’s worth of nanoplastics, researchers find

(CNN) – A new study found human brain samples contain an entire plastic spoon’s worth of nanoplastics.

The study was published on Monday in the “Nature Medicine” journal.

Researchers studied human brain samples collected at autopsies last year and in 2016.

They found the 2024 brains contained about 50% more microplastics than the ones from eight years before.

In 2023, a group of scientists, healthcare workers and policy analysts determined plastics are associated with harm to human health at every single stage of the plastic lifecycle.

However, an expert not involved in the study said finding plastic deposits does not prove they cause damage.

She said it’s unclear if the particles enter and leave the brain, or if they collect there and cause disease.

Experts recommend taking steps to reduce your exposure to plastics, including stopping using single-use plastic like grocery bags and utensils. Experts also say to use metal or glass cups for drinking instead of plastic ones.

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