A recent study has identified tiny plastic fragments, known as microplastics, within the nose tissue of human cadavers. Specifically, these microplastics were found in the olfactory bulb, a region of the nose that plays a critical role in our sense of smell and is located near the base of the brain. The presence of microplastics in this area raises concerns about their potential to spread to other parts of the brain. The study's lead author, Luís Fernando Amato-Lourenço from the Free University of Berlin, suggests that the movement of these microplastics within the brain is influenced by various factors, including their shape, size, and the body's immune response.

The findings contribute to a growing body of research that has detected microplastics and nanoplastics in different human tissues, such as the brain, blood, lungs, liver, and even in breast milk and the placenta. There is an ongoing debate within the scientific community about the real-world implications of these findings, as highlighted by Betsy Bowers, executive director of the EPS Industry Alliance.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, also noted that the microplastics detected were particularly small, with sizes ranging from 5.5 to 26.4 micrometers, smaller than a human hair. The most common type of plastic identified was polypropylene, which is widely used in various products and is generally considered safe. However, there is evidence that microplastics made of polypropylene might exacerbate the progression of breast cancer.

To reduce exposure to microplastics and potentially harmful chemicals, experts recommend using stainless steel and glass containers, avoiding microwaving food in plastic, and choosing products without recycling code 3, which often contains phthalates. Reducing the use of disposable plastics and opting for reusable alternatives can also help decrease our overall plastic footprint.