You may have heard whispers about microplastics — tiny, often invisible plastic particles that are everywhere in our environment.
They’re in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even the water we drink.
But what you might not know is how deeply they are starting to affect human health — especially in children.
🌿 Microplastics are so small (sometimes measured in nanometers) that they can move through the body in ways we once thought impossible.
Recent research now shows that microplastics can actually cross the blood-brain barrier — the protective shield that keeps harmful substances away from the brain.
This discovery is both groundbreaking and deeply concerning.
New studies suggest that once inside the brain, microplastics may trigger neuroinflammation — an immune response that could quietly damage brain tissues over time.
And while the research is still evolving, there are early signs that these particles may be linked to rising rates of ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and even neurodegenerative diseases later in life.
Here’s a glimpse of what we know so far:
- An estimated 40,000 to 52,000 plastic particles are consumed by humans each year — and infants, especially those using plastic bottles, may be exposed to even more.
- Microplastics have now been found not just in the brain, but in placental tissue — meaning exposure begins even before birth.
- Animal studies show that plastic particles like polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) can increase blood-brain barrier permeability and trigger brain immune activation — both important factors in neurological health.
If microplastics are embedding in developing brains — and potentially impacting attention, learning, and social development — we urgently need to pay attention.
That’s why I recorded a brand new video on this topic — to break down the latest science
In the video, I’ll walk you through:
- How microplastics enter the human brain
- What new research is showing about their role in neurodevelopmental conditions
- How you can reduce exposure at home with simple, natural steps
I truly believe that knowledge is empowerment.
The more we understand about these hidden exposures, the better we can protect the next generation.
References:
Nihart, A.J., Garcia, M.A., El Hayek, E. et al. Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nat Med 31, 1114–1119 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03453-1
Shan S, Zhang Y, Zhao H, Zeng T, Zhao X. Polystyrene nanoplastics penetrate across the blood-brain barrier and induce activation of microglia in the brain of mice. Chemosphere. 2022 Jul;298:134261. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134261. Epub 2022 Mar 14. PMID: 35302003.
