Which cerebral disorders are possible due to micro- and nanoplastics?
Tiny plastic particles can penetrate cells and cross the blood-brain barrier. A recent study found they can cause several pathologies, like cerebral thrombosis.
Nanoplastics as a cause of neurological disorders
- Thousands of plastics are currently in use worldwide, many of which have been classified as hazardous due to their persistence, accumulation in human adipose tissue, or toxicity.1
- Autopsies show a rapid increase in nanoplastic contamination of human tissues, particularly the brain.2
- According to a recent study, microplastics in the bloodstream can trigger cerebral thrombosis because immune cells absorb the particles, and the contaminated cells subsequently become trapped in capillaries of the cerebral cortex, clogging them.3
Increasing concentrations of micro- and nanoplastics: not only in the environment and food chain, but also in humans
An analysis of autopsies published in Nature in February 2025 revealed a significant increase in microplastic concentrations in human tissues between 2016 and 2024,2 specifically in the brain and liver. The levels in brain samples were 7–30 times higher than in liver or kidneys. An even greater accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics has been found in the brains of deceased individuals with a documented diagnosis of dementia, with significant deposits in cerebrovascular walls and immune cells.2
Water, salt, animals, and even the air are contaminated with microplastics. Scientists at Wageningen University in the Netherlands estimate that each of us ingests 100,000 microplastic particles per day—equivalent to using up a credit card per year.4
The accumulation of microplastics can lead to tissue dysfunction and immune system dysfunction, chronic inflammation, respiratory diseases, and (via effects on endocrine glands) hormonal and metabolic disorders.3
Are plastic particles now a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebral events?
Increasing evidence suggests that microplastics in the bloodstream could contribute to acute cardiovascular disease.3
A study published in Science Advances in early 2025 used real-time imaging in mice to demonstrate how microplastics reduce cerebral blood flow and lead to neurological abnormalities. The particles in the bloodstream were phagocytosed by immune cells. The particle-laden cells formed clumps that clogged capillaries in the cortex and impaired the animals' motor function.3,5
Another study reports that nanoplastic foreign particles increase the aggregation of α-synuclein in brain regions such as the substantia nigra, which could trigger or exacerbate Parkinson's disease and other neurologically-related dementias. In a murine model, it was demonstrated that nanoplastics can also be internalized into neurons themselves through clathrin-dependent endocytosis.6
Furthermore, it has been shown in mice that early exposure to tiny plastic particles impairs brain development and even appears to induce behavioral abnormalities (impaired social behavior, depression- and anxiety-like behavior).3
A drop of water wears away a stone
Recent measurements suggest that microplastics can not only be consumed or inhaled, but can also enter the bloodstream directly via medical-grade plastic materials (such as those used for intravenous infusions), where the plastic particles are primarily transported by immune cells.3,7 "If medical injection systems are not improved quickly and thoroughly, the direct penetration of microplastics into the human bloodstream may become a persistent and potentially recurring problem," conclude the authors of the aforementioned thrombosis study.3
Although plastic compounds are indispensable in certain applications, it is therefore all the more necessary to reduce exposure everywhere. Minimize waste where better alternatives actually exist. While there are widespread calls for a reduction in single-use plastics, many traditional paper packaging manufacturers are replacing with new plastic packaging.8 Just one everyday example: According to a study, today's widely used plastic tea bags (nylon and PET) release approximately 11.6 billion microparticles and 3.1 billion nanoparticles per cup (!). Even most paper tea bags contain plastic fibers for sealing (so they don't burst).1,8 In addition to heating, the packaging of oils and fats in plastic should also be viewed with particular skepticism, as microplastics and toxic chemical compounds (e.g., antimony from PET) can migrate particularly readily into such products.9
- Ali, T., Habib, A., Muskan, F., Mumtaz, S. & Shams, R. Health risks posed by microplastics in tea bags: microplastic pollution – a truly global problem. Int J Surg 109, 515–516 (2023).
- Nihart, A. J. et al. Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nat Med 1–6 (2025) doi:10.1038/s41591-024-03453-1.
- Huang, H. et al. Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities. Science Advances 11, eadr8243 (2025).
- We ingest the equivalent of a credit card every year because of microplastics in the environment. https://www.activesustainability.com/environment/microplastics/.
- Mallapaty, S. Microplastics block blood flow in the brain, mouse study reveals. Nature 638, 20–20 (2025).
- Liu, Z. et al. Anionic nanoplastic contaminants promote Parkinson’s disease-associated α-synuclein aggregation. Sci Adv 9, eadi8716 (2023).
- Huang, T. et al. MPs Entering Human Circulation through Infusions: A Significant Pathway and Health Concern. Environ. Health (2025) doi:10.1021/envhealth.4c00210.
- Hernandez, L. M. et al. Plastic Teabags Release Billions of Microparticles and Nanoparticles into Tea. Environ Sci Technol 53, 12300–12310 (2019).
- Oil, S. O. Is Olive Oil in a Plastic Bottle Safe? Selo Olive Oil https://seloolive.com/blogs/olive-oil/is-olive-oil-in-a-plastic-bottle-safe-understanding-the-risks-and-choosing-safe-packaging-alternatives-selo-olive-oil-blog (800).