Life in plastic – not so fantastic

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Researchers are sounding the alarm – there could be as much as a spoon’s worth of plastic inside our brain. Industrial activity, tire dust, lost fishing gear, and excessive use of disposable plastics are important drivers of microplastic pollution in our environment and, ultimately, in our bodies. While the full impact on human health is still being investigated, the fact that these particles can migrate into deeper tissues of our brain, crossing the blood-brain barrier, is worrying to say the least.

The tip of the ‘plastic’ iceberg

Researchers at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences in Albuquerque recently investigated the presence of microplastics (0.1 µm – 5 mm) and nanoplastics (1-100 nm) in the brains of human cadavers and uncovered staggering amounts – nearing the weight of a plastic spoon. Unsurprisingly, the levels of these brain plastics are increasing over time, with a 50% rise observed over the past eight years.

Evidence of the health risks of these plastic particles in humans remains scarce. Most current research on the topic is either performed on animal models or is correlational in nature rather than causal. In mice, micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have been shown to block blood vessels in the brain, potentially causing neurological damage. Other studies suggest that these microscopic plastics contribute to liver dysfunction, glucose intolerance, and increased gut permeability.

Alarmingly, MNPs have also been found in the placentas of pregnant women, with significantly higher levels observed in premature births compared to full-term pregnancies. Although a causal link has yet to be found, it is a worrying finding nonetheless. A similar link has been suggested between elevated MNP levels in the brain and dementia. The particles were found in cerebrovascular walls and immune cells, but it remains unclear whether they contribute to the development of dementia or simply accumulate more easily in already damaged brain tissue.

The potential health impacts of MNPs are multifaceted. They may cause physical damage to organs, act as chemical sponges absorbing toxic substances such as heavy metals, additives, and pesticides, or serve as carriers for pathogenic microbes.

Unfortunately, these discoveries likely represent only the tip of the iceberg. As scientific tools advance and more research is dedicated to long-term effects, it is likely that additional health consequences of MNP exposure will come to light.

Up high and deep down low

The growing accumulation of MNPs in our bodies probably reflects their increasing presence in the environment. Plastic pollution has become nearly ubiquitous, particularly in our oceans. A staggering 150 million tons of plastic currently pollutes the oceans, with an additional 4.8 to 12.7 million tons entering each year. If this trend continues, it is estimated that by 2050, our oceans will contain more plastic than fish by weight. The plastic particles in our oceans are ingested by marine animals and end up on our plate. Especially mollusks, such as mussels, oysters, and scallops, show high levels of microplastic contamination. The real extent of the problem is, however, only slowly becoming clear. Scientists have now detected MNPs in even the most remote locations on Earth – from the summit of the world’s tallest mountains to the deepest ocean trenches. These particles are everywhere.

While no country is spared from microplastic pollution, some regions contribute more significantly to environmental leakage. Countries with high population density, large plastic producing industries, or poor waste management, such as China, India, and Vietnam, are important contributors.

The cry of the mermaids

The situation in Europe has long been thought to be relatively under control, although a recent report sheds a different light on the matter. The Tara Microplastics Mission, launched in 2019, was established to investigate plastic pollution in nine major European rivers: the Loire, the Seine, the Rhine, the Elbe, the Thames, the Ebro, the Rhône, the Tiber, and the Garonne. In April 2025, the results were published, showing that all nine rivers are polluted with microplastics. Worryingly, the smaller microparticles (up to 0.5 mm) were found to be up to 1,000 times more abundant than the larger ones (0.5-5 mm). This poses a real threat as these smaller and invisible microplastics are more easily ingested and move freely across the food chain.

A striking discovery was the dominance of industrial plastic granules – known as mermaid tears – among the larger microplastics. These primary plastics form the raw material for the manufacturing of plastic products. It is estimated that over 180,000 tons of these pellets are lost in the European environment each year, making them the third-largest source of microplastic pollution. 

A prime example comes from Ecaussinnes, a small town in the Walloon region of Belgium. Due to intensive petrochemical activity, plastic pellets have been discovered in rivers, fields, and even as far as eight kilometers from the industrial zone. Once the pellets make their way into the environment, it is almost impossible to remove them.

Small plastic pellets, or mermaid tears, found in nature as a result of industrial leakage.

 

The best plastic is the kind we don’t use

To limit the impact of environmental plastics on our human, animal, and planetary health, we need to clean up existing waste and prevent more from entering our ecosystems.

The most-known initiative in terms of cleaning up ocean waste is The Ocean Cleanup project. This non-profit organization aims to remove macroplastics using ocean cleaning systems – large-scale, floating barriers designed to capture plastic – and river interceptors – solar-powered, autonomous systems designed to prevent plastic from reaching the oceans. At the end of 2024, the organization achieved the groundbreaking milestone of capturing 20 million kilograms of trash.

As it is very difficult to remove plastic contamination at a large scale, the only effective solution is to prevent release in the first place. An essential concept in this respect are the 3 Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. A concept finding its way into legislation, as the European Union aims to reduce microplastic release by 30% by 2030 as set out in the Zero Pollution Action Plan.

Reduce

Of marine waste, about 49% comes from single-use plastics. Plastic cutlery, cigarette butts, drink bottles, cotton bud sticks, sweet/crisp wrappers, straws, cups, and food containers make up almost half of the total amount of plastic in our oceans and seas. To address the issue, the EU has commissioned a total ban of those materials for which non-plastic alternatives are available, such as cotton buds sticks and straws.

By 2030, additional single use packaging will be banned, such as packaging for unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables, miniature packaging for toiletry products, and lightweight carrier bags. Also packaging in the transport and e-commerce sectors will be restricted. 

Going beyond legislation, individuals can also do their part. One can make an effort in not using single-use water bottles, choosing foods with less packaging, or buying plastic-free toiletries.

Reuse

If plastic packaging cannot be avoided, reuse should be stimulated. Refill stations are becoming more and more common. The EU will oblige distributors of beverages and take-away food to offer consumers the option of bringing their own container and will oblige them to offer 10% of products in reusable packaging. The British multinational Unilever, specialized in food, personal hygiene, and cleaning products, is taking the lead in the sector with over 50 pilots launched since 2018, to test and optimize operations.

People can help by reusing carrier bags, bottles, and containers, but also by buying second-handed clothes, children’s toys, etc.

Recycle

Items that cannot be reused and end up in the garbage bin, need to be recycled. It is important to note, however, that plastic cannot be recycled forever and thus delays, rather than avoids, disposal in nature. The EU sets a collection target of 90% for drink bottles by 2029. This can be achieved through thorough waste management although the best system is likely a deposit refund system.

Whether through adequate sorting or returning plastic bottles to the shop, recycling often remains a responsibility of the individual.

Innovation taking us beyond the 3 Rs

Innovation can help to ease the pain of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastics. Replacing petroleum-based plastics by greener and biodegradable alternatives promotes a more sustainable lifecycle. Corn bamboo, cork, and even cow dung are currently being investigated as a source of bioplastic start material. Restoring our natural environment in its plastic-free state can be strived for. Be it either through cleanup initiatives, or through microbial degradation of plastic waste, innovation can lead the way to a cleaner future.

And what about the mermaid tears, how can we reduce those? Unfortunately, there are currently no EU rules restricting pellet leakage in the environment. However, something is moving. At the beginning of April of this year, the EU Council and Parliament have agreed on a new set of rules reducing pollution through pellet loss. The main focus is on prevention of losses and set up of a risk management plan with appropriate measures to tackle packaging, (un)loading, and staff training. The provisional agreement will now have to be endorsed and adopted by the required institutions.

In the end, everyone needs to do their part. Be it either as a multinational investing in refill options, a manufacturer preventing plastic spills, a government adapting regulation or individuals not trashing plastic waste in our environment. Only by joined forces, our world can be saved from suffocating in plastic waste.