“MNP concentrations in decedent brain samples ranged from 7-to-30 times the concentrations seen in livers or kidneys. With independent confirmation from another laboratory and visual evidence from FTIR and TEM approaches, we have high confidence that MNPs selectively accumulate in the brain, with the majority being nanometer-scale, shard-like particulates. However, linking MNP concentration data to health outcomes in larger cohorts will require refinements to the technique, more complex study designs, and larger cohorts. The parallels between the present data showing an increasing trend in MNP concentrations in the brain with exponentially rising environmental presence of microplastics19-21 and increasing global rates of age-corrected Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia22-25, given the potential role of anionic nanoplastics in protein aggregation26, add urgency to understanding the impacts of MNP on human health.”
The Growing Problem of Environmental Microplastics
Environmental micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have become a ubiquitous concern, with their presence detected in everything from Antarctic ice to the human bloodstream. According to a 2024 study conducted at the University of New Mexico, MNP concentrations in human brains have risen dramatically over the years, driven by the global proliferation of microplastics. The study used advanced techniques like pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify and quantify these particles, finding that brain tissues often contained 7 to 30 times more MNPs than other organs like the liver or kidneys.
This rising trend mirrors the increased global prevalence of microplastics in the environment and may have serious implications for public health. While more research is needed to establish a direct link between MNP accumulation and neurological diseases, the parallels with conditions like dementia underscore the urgency of addressing this issue.
A Proven Solution?
In stark contrast to anecdotal approaches, scientific advancements offer evidence-based methods for reducing harmful chemicals in the body. A groundbreaking clinical trial in Australia demonstrated that regular plasma and blood donations can significantly lower levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), often referred to as “forever chemicals.” These substances are prevalent in household products, cosmetics, and food packaging.
The year-long study involved 285 firefighters and revealed that plasma donation was particularly effective, reducing serum PFOS levels by 2.9 ng/mL compared to a 1.1 ng/mL reduction with whole blood donations. Plasma donations allow participants to donate more frequently—every six weeks compared to every twelve weeks for whole blood—and involve larger volumes, which accelerates the removal of PFASs from the body.
These findings are significant not only for high-risk groups like firefighters but also for the general population, as PFASs have been linked to adverse health outcomes, including infertility and cardiovascular disease. The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to explore the clinical effects of reducing PFAS levels. However, this research provides a compelling, medically supervised solution for minimizing chemical exposure.
A former capoeira instructor turned biohacking enthusiast, Gio spent his early years bouncing between São Paulo and Miami before settling in Austin. With a master’s in sports physiology and a penchant for experimenting with traditional Brazilian herbs, he’s become Rude Vulture’s go-to expert on movement optimization and plant-based performance enhancement. When not writing about the intersection of martial arts and ancestral living, he runs an underground fight gym where participants are required to follow strict circadian rhythm protocols.