Microplastics are everywhere, entering water, soil, air, and the human body.
Research confirms that microplastics are widely present in oceans, soil, and air. Even more alarming, these tiny particles have been detected in human blood, organs, and even brain tissue. A recent study published in Nature Medicine highlights the significant accumulation of microplastics in the brain, liver, and kidneys, with concentrations in some patients’ brains far exceeding those in other organs.
By 2050, plastic in the oceans may outweigh all the fish.
According to a joint forecast by WWF and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, without structural intervention, by 2050, the total weight of plastics in the ocean could surpass the combined weight of all marine fish. This staggering projection reveals a severe imbalance in current plastic usage and waste management systems.
Microplastic levels in the human body are steadily rising.
Research from the University of New Mexico shows that between 1997 and 2024, microplastic concentrations in the human brain increased by 50%, and concentrations in Alzheimer’s patients’ brains are up to 10 times higher than normal. Meanwhile, several international studies have detected microplastics in human blood, placenta, semen, and breast milk, with an average concentration of 1.6 micrograms per milliliter, indicating deep infiltration into the human internal environment.
Health threats continue to rise.
Preliminary scientific evidence suggests microplastics may cause abnormal gene expression, chronic inflammation, cytotoxicity, and endocrine disruption. In a study of stroke patients, microplastic levels in atherosclerotic plaques were 51 times higher than in healthy individuals, hinting at a potential link between microplastic pollution and cerebrovascular diseases.