Sao Paulo: New research has revealed that plastic from everyday objects has the potential to penetrate the brain.
Global scientists and campaigners are calling for urgent action on the impact of plastic on human health. The calls come after the release of a new report that suggests the indoor environment may be a major source of microplastic pollution. In short, plastic particles can easily be inhaled and reach the brain quickly.
Research led by Prof. Dr. Thies Mawad and Dr. Luis Fernando Amato-Lourenko from the University of São Paulo and Frei Universität Berlin found microplastics in the olfactory bulb, the lowest part of the brain.
The identification of microplastics in the brain with the nose suggests that the olfactory (smell-related) corridor may be an entry point for foreign particles to enter the brain.
The researchers were able to identify plastic fibers and particles in 8 of 15 brain samples taken from 15 victims of the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo.
They discovered that the most common plastic found was polypropylene, which is commonly used for clothing, food packaging and bottles.
