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Researchers from Peking University have discovered that microplastics can accumulate in mice brains and block blood vessels, mimicking the effects of blood clots. Using real-time imaging, they tracked tiny plastic particles moving through the brain’s blood vessels, where they sometimes became stuck. When this happened, other particles piled up behind them, much like a car crash, leading to decreased blood flow.
The study found that mice exposed to microplastics showed reduced motor function, moving slower and covering shorter distances than unexposed mice. They also performed worse on memory tests, suggesting microplastics could impair brain function. While scientists have long suspected that microplastics are neurotoxic, this research is the first to show a potential mechanism—by blocking blood flow in the brain.
Microplastics, which contain thousands of potentially harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and PFAS, have been found throughout the human body, including in the brain and placenta. Previous research has linked them to increased risks of heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders like Parkinson’s.
Although human blood vessels are larger than those in mice, meaning the exact same effects may not occur, the study highlights the urgent need for further research on microplastics’ health risks. The authors warn that investigating microplastic exposure in humans is essential to understanding its full impact on cardiovascular and brain health.
