Plastic in Your Blood: A Hidden Danger Threatening Fertility and the Brain

SadaNews - Recent scientific studies have shown that the leakage of microplastic particles, prevalent in various areas of life, poses multiple health risks, including decreased fertility in women, as well as potential effects on the kidneys, liver, brain, and even the placenta in fetuses.

Plastic is composed of polymers, which are long chains of small chemical units known as monomers. Among the most common of these polymers are polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, in addition to other materials such as plasticizers, thermal and light stabilizers, and phthalates.

Global plastic production has risen from 234 million tons in 2000 to 435 million tons in 2020, with projections of an increase of nearly 70% by 2040.

Plastic is widely used in the manufacture of food packaging, water bottles, milk cartons, cleaning products, and wrapping materials.

Toxic Substances in Cooking Utensils

According to a study published in JAMA Network, plastics are synthetic compounds that encompass a wide range of chemicals, with over 13,000 compounds associated with them, including about 4,200 concerning substances, along with 10 groups classified as highly toxic.

Some of these substances, such as PFAS compounds found in non-stick cookware and others, can leach into the environment.

As plastic decomposes into micro-particles, these particles can enter the human body through inhalation or ingestion, where they may deposit in the lungs or circulate through the bloodstream to various tissues and organs.

They can also be encountered through drinking liquids from plastic containers, such as bottled water and various beverages, or through the use of cosmetics and personal care products.

Delayed Pregnancy

In a recent study published in January 2026 in the journal of hazardous materials from Elsevier, the relationship between the molecular structures of microplastic particles and the likelihood of reduced ovarian reserve in women was examined, revealing a close association between exposure to these particles and declining ovarian function.

The study indicated that continuous exposure to microplastic particles may increase the risk of decreased ovarian reserve, emphasizing that these findings serve as an important reference for continued research into the impact of these particles on women's reproductive health in the future.

Plastic and Dementia

In a study published in February 2025 in Nature Medicine, the potential for the bioaccumulation of microplastic particles in the brain, liver, and kidney tissues of deceased individuals was investigated.

The results showed that concentrations of magnetic nanoplastic particles in the liver and kidneys were similar across samples, while brain samples - especially the prefrontal cortex - exhibited significantly higher levels compared to other organs.

The study concluded that there is a general trend towards increased accumulation of these particles in the brain and liver, noting that most of them are composed of plastic shards and polyethylene.

Researchers were surprised by the elevated concentrations of these particles in the brains of healthy deceased individuals, ranging from 7 to 30 times compared to the liver and kidneys, in addition to observing higher levels in dementia patients.

The study recommended the need for further research to understand the role of these particles in neurological disorders and the potential health effects on the human brain.

Negative Effects on the Lungs and Intestines

With increasing evidence of the presence of micro and nano plastic particles within the human body, concerns regarding their potential health effects are rising. Models from a clinical trial published in September 2025 in Nature Medicine demonstrated that these particles can penetrate cellular barriers in the lungs and intestines, then move into the bloodstream and reach various tissues and organs, such as the reproductive system and placenta within the womb, as well as the brain.

Preliminary results indicated a potential link between these particles and negative health effects, including changes in the immune system, along with potential implications for cardiovascular and reproductive health.

The study urged the need to develop accurate methods to assess exposure levels to plastic particles, which would contribute to enhancing research related to their health impacts, which still require further clarification.

Global Impact

Recent estimates suggest that between 8 to 12 million metric tons of plastic waste enter oceans annually, leading to concentrations of nanoplastic particles ranging from 0.1 to 1000 particles per liter in surface waters.

This pollution disrupts marine food chains, with bioaccumulation of the particles and additives occurring across various trophic levels, according to a comprehensive research review published in The Lancet in December 2025.

Humans are exposed to these particles through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact, and given their presence in drinking water, table salt, and some body fluids and tissues, the review indicates that these particles may carry potential toxic effects, including oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine disruptions, as well as dysfunction in mitochondrial functions responsible for energy production within cells.

Source: Al Jazeera