Your Brain is 0.5% Plastic (And Growing Every Day)

How everyday plastic pollution became a public health crisis hiding in plain sight.

We've all heard the term microplastics, and we know they're "bad". But what does that actually mean for your body? For your brain?

According to the World Wildlife Fund, the average person is unknowingly ingesting up to a credit card’s worth of plastic every week. 

These tiny plastic bits are everywhere: in our food, water, and even the air we breathe.  This raises serious concerns about long-term health impacts. 

It’s time we understand what they are, where they come from, and how we can protect the planet and ourselves.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimetres in size, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, such as bottles or bags, or intentionally manufactured for certain consumer goods.

Common sources include:

• Tea bags that release microplastic particles when steeped in hot water

• Synthetic fabrics that shed microfibers during washing

• Cosmetic products containing exfoliating microbeads

• Everyday plastic waste that breaks apart over time and enters the soil, air, and water

These particles do not biodegrade. They persist in the environment, accumulating and spreading across ecosystems, waterways and food systems.

What Are Nanoplastics?

Nanoplastics are even smaller, measuring less than 1 micrometre. Particles we can’t even see with the human eye.

Because of their extremely fine size, nanoplastics can:

• Penetrate biological barriers, such as cell membranes and blood-brain barriers

• Accumulate in organs and tissues in both animals and humans

• Travel through indoor air and be inhaled directly into the lungs

From Ocean to Your Body

Plastic doesn't just pollute beaches, it contaminates marine ecosystems at every level. The World Wildlife Fund estimates 11 to 14 million tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, with predictions suggesting there could be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050.

Here’s what that means for the food chain:

• Plankton, shellfish, and fish ingest microplastics directly

• Larger animals eat smaller ones, magnifying contamination in a process called biomagnification

• Eventually, these particles reach our dinner plates

This means the more seafood you consume, the more plastic you're likely to ingest. Shellfish like mussels, oysters, and clams are particularly vulnerable since they filter seawater for food. Despite this, researchers also note that microplastics are now present in meat, produce, and drinking water, so diet changes alone will not eliminate exposure.

Source: Portland State University

Health Risks and Impacts

These particles are small enough to cross biological barriers, including the placental and blood-brain barriers, and once inside, they can accumulate in organs and tissues.

A growing body of research is raising serious concerns:

• Nanoplastics in indoor air are inhaled up to 68,000 particles daily

• Brain tissue samples from dementia patients showed higher plastic particle counts than in those without cognitive disorders

• Microplastics found in carotid artery plaque and those affected were 4.5 times more likely to suffer heart attacks, strokes, or death

On top of these alarming findings, traditional petroleum-based plastics may contain or absorb over 16,000 chemical compounds, including: PFAS (forever chemicals), Bisphenol A (BPA), and Phthalates.  These substances have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, neurotoxicity, and developmental problems.

We are only beginning to understand the full scope of how plastic pollution is impacting human health, but the early evidence is a clear signal for concern.

Limiting Your Exposure

What can we do? While the problem seems daunting, there are everyday steps we can take to reduce our exposure and support a healthier future:

• Choose sustainable packaging. Opt for recyclable and compostable food packaging instead of traditional single-use plastics. Brands like NextGen Bioplastics offer plant-based products designed to break down into natural elements without leaving behind microplastics or PFAS

• Avoid heating plastics. Never heat plastic containers, even those labelled "microwave safe," as elevated temperatures increase chemical leaching into food

• Reduce microfibers. Wash synthetic clothes less often or use filters that capture microfibers before they enter our waterways

• Be mindful of ingredients. Choose natural cosmetics and personal care items that are non-toxic and microbead-free

• Support sustainable brands. Look for companies that prioritize renewable materials and have a clear plan for the end-of-life of their products

• Check sustainability certifications. Look for credible labels like BPI certification for compostability, or commitments to compliance with EN 13432 and ASTM D6400 standards.

Awareness Drives Change

Plastic pollution is no longer just an environmental issue, but a health crisis. The research is clear: plastic contamination in our bodies is accelerating, and the more we understand about microplastics, the more power we have to demand better alternatives.

By sharing information and making informed choices, we can put pressure on manufacturers and policymakers to adopt safer solutions. Seemingly small choices, like switching to compostable packaging, can make a big impact. 

Let's work together to protect our health, our oceans, and future generations.

Want to learn more about our sustainable packaging solutions? We'd love to hear from you!

• 📧 info@nextgenbioplastics.com 

• 📞 +1 (570) 203-1770

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