Microplastics penetrate not only through the placenta, but also into the brain

The particles easily cross the blood-brain barrier, increasing the risk of neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Scientists found this out in an experiment on mice that were given to eat polystyrene – after two hours, microplastics were found in the brains of animals.

But not all plastic passes through the barrier: the process is highly dependent on the size of the particles, the chemical composition and the cells with which they end up interacting. Additional research is underway.

Learn more: Nanomaterials