Context:
A recent study published in Science Advances, titled “Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities,” has revealed that microplastics—tiny plastic particles under 5 mm in diameter—can block blood flow in the brains of mice.

·        While it remains unclear if similar effects occur in humans, the findings raise concerns about the widespread presence of microplastics in various body parts, including lungs, testicles, and bone marrow.

Study Methodology:
Researchers fed mice fluorescent polystyrene, a plastic commonly used in packaging and toys. Using a specialized microscope, they observed how these particles traveled through the mice's brains in real-time via a transparent window surgically implanted in their skulls.

Key Findings:

• Within three hours of ingestion, immune cells such as neutrophils and phagocytes absorbed the fluorescent microplastic particles.
• These immune cells, carrying microplastics, became lodged in the tight blood vessel curves of the brain’s cortex, blocking blood flow and mimicking blood clot formation.
• While some blockages cleared over time, others persisted, leading to decreased mobility and neurobehavioral changes in the mice.
• The study suggests a potential link between microplastics and cerebral thrombosis, potentially resulting in long-term neurological damage.

Further Research and Implications:
Similar obstructions were also observed in the mice’s heart and liver, though these results remain unpublished. This finding raises concerns about the systemic effects of microplastics. The study contributes to growing evidence that microplastics disrupt biological functions and enter the bloodstream, potentially impacting multiple organs.

Microplastics in Humans:
A 2022 study found microplastics in human blood, with estimates suggesting humans ingest or inhale between 78,000 and 211,000 microplastic particles annually. However, further research is necessary to determine whether microplastics affect human brain function and blood circulation in a manner similar to mice.

About Microplastics:

• Plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, created when larger plastic items break down due to natural factors like UV radiation, wind, and ocean currents.
• Classification:

1.   Primary Microplastics:

§  Intentionally manufactured small plastic particles for commercial use.

§  Examples: Microbeads in personal care products, plastic pellets, and plastic fibers.

2.   Secondary Microplastics:

§  Formed when larger plastic objects degrade into smaller particles.

§  Breakdown occurs due to exposure to environmental factors like solar radiation and ocean waves.

Conclusion:
This study highlights the dangers of microplastic exposure and its potential to disrupt critical biological processes like blood flow in the brain. With microplastics found in nearly every organ, the findings underscore the urgent need to address plastic pollution and its potential long-term health impacts. Further research is essential to fully understand the risks to human health and the environment.