Spread the love LONDON – A study published in JAMA Network Open has revealed microplastics in the human brain, with disturbing implications for textiles and fashion.
The study, led by Luís Fernando Amato-Lourenço and a team of researchers, uncovered microplastics in the olfactory bulbs of human brains, marking the first time such particles have been detected in this region of the body.
The findings were based on autopsies conducted on 15 deceased individuals in São Paulo, Brazil, where microplastics were found in eight cases. Of the particles identified, 75 per cent were plastic fragments, while 25 per cent were fibres, many linked to materials commonly found in textiles, including polypropylene, nylon, and polyethylene vinyl acetate.
Clothing made from polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics shed microfibres into the environment every time they are washed, contributing to the ever-growing issue of microplastic pollution.
What makes the latest discovery particularly concerning is the link between these microplastic fibres and human health. The microplastics found in the study were small enough to bypass the blood-brain barrier, a protective shield designed to keep harmful substances out of the brain. The study suggests these particles likely entered the brain via the olfactory nerve, located in the nasal cavity, emphasising the vulnerability of humans to airborne microplastics.
“We know the place we are most exposed to particles is indoors, because all of our homes are full of plastic,” said Dr Thais Mauad, associate professor of pathology at the University of São Paulo Medical School in Brazil
Polypropylene, the most commonly identified polymer in the study, is frequently used in clothing, particularly in fast fashion, which favours cheap, synthetic materials to keep costs low. Nylon, another common polymer found in the study, is often used in outdoor and sportswear for its durability and flexibility.
A report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimated that half a million tons of plastic microfibres are released into the ocean every year, primarily from washing synthetic textiles. These fibres are small enough to escape filtration systems, making their way into water sources and the air, eventually being inhaled or ingested by humans.
Some brands have begun exploring ways to mitigate their environmental impact. Patagonia, a major outdoor clothing company, has invested in research to develop filters that capture microplastics released during laundry cycles. Other initiatives focus on creating biodegradable materials that can break down naturally without releasing harmful microfibres.
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