Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains

Rising global concentrations of environmental microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) drive concerns for human exposure and health outcomes. Complementary methods for the robust detection of tissue MNPs, including pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, confirm the presence of MNPs in human kidney, liver and brain. MNPs in these organs primarily consist of polyethylene, with lesser but significant concentrations of other polymers. Brain tissues harbor higher proportions of polyethylene compared to the composition of the plastics in liver or kidney, and electron microscopy…

• PR
  Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America Foundation
• NI
  National Institute of General Medical Sciences

  Awards: K12 GM088021, P20 GM130422
• NI
  National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

  Awards: R15 ES034901, R01 ES032037, R01 ES014639, P30 ES032755
• NC
  National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences

  Award: UL1 TR001449
• NI
  National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities

  Award: P50 MD015706