As plastic pollution worsens worldwide, microplastics have emerged as a key concern in global environmental protection. Recent studies indicate that microplastics are not only pervasive in the environment but have also quietly made their way into our bodies, posing potential health risks. This issue is especially critical for newborns and older adults, two demographics that may face greater dangers from microplastic exposure. Just how harmful are microplastics to human health, and is there an effective alternative material that can mitigate these risks? Polylactic Acid (PLA), a new and eco-friendly material, offers a promising solution to replace traditional plastics and avoid their associated hazards.
The Invisible Threat of Microplastics
Microplastics refer to plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters in diameter. They come from a wide range of sources, including everyday plastic products, plastic microbeads in cosmetics, and plastic waste generated during industrial processes. Numerous global studies show that microplastics have infiltrated every corner of our lives: from oceans to drinking water, from the air we breathe to the soil beneath our feet. Alarming evidence now indicates that microplastics have even accumulated in the human body.
According to a 2022 study published in Environmental International, microplastics can accumulate in multiple human organs, particularly the liver, kidneys, lungs, and bloodstream. Even more concerning is the discovery of microplastics in the human brain. A 2020 study in Science Advances revealed that microplastics can enter the body through inhalation, food, or water, traveling via the bloodstream to different parts of the body. While long-term research on the specific dangers of microplastics is not yet conclusive, an increasing body of evidence suggests they may pose significant risks to human health over time.
Plastic in the Brain
By examining 91 autopsy samples, researchers at the University of New Mexico investigated the amount of plastic particles in the human brain. They chemically broke down biological tissues to isolate intact plastic fragments and identified them using pyrolysis-gas chromatography and other techniques.
The results showed that not only do microplastics exist in the human brain, but they exist in surprisingly large amounts—far exceeding levels found in the liver or kidneys. In brain tissue samples collected in 2024, the median plastic content was 4,917 μg/g, which is close to 0.5%. Although the sample size remains small, this finding is alarming.
Based on the study’s data, a human brain weighing around 1.3 kilograms might contain 6–7 grams of plastic in total—enough to make a plastic spoon if gathered together. Among these samples, the researchers identified 12 different types of synthetic polymers. The most common plastic in the brain was polyethylene (PE), accounting for 75% of all microplastic fragments, which is widely used in packaging materials and containers. The plastic particles that enter brain tissue usually measure only a few hundred nanometers in diameter—small enough to penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
It appears that plastic content in the brain is rising: between 2016 and 2024, microplastic levels in brain tissue samples increased by about 50%. This growth likely correlates with the increasing concentrations of microplastics in the environment. Given the ongoing surge in plastic waste, microplastic levels in the brain are likely to continue rising.
The study also found that individuals with dementia had higher levels of microplastics in the brain—although this alone does not prove that microplastics cause neurological diseases.
Special Risks for Newborns and Older Adults
Newborns and older adults are especially vulnerable to the dangers of microplastics. Because newborns’ immune systems are underdeveloped and their metabolic capabilities are weaker, they have a reduced ability to clear harmful substances. Research indicates that microplastics can cross the placental barrier and potentially pose risks to fetal development. A 2022 study in Environmental Health Perspectives showed that maternal exposure to microplastics may increase the risk of birth defects, particularly in early pregnancy..
Older adults face a different set of risks. As people age, bodily functions gradually decline and both immune response and detoxification capabilities weaken, making seniors more susceptible to health threats posed by microplastics. In older adults, the accumulation of microplastics can exacerbate neurological degeneration, cardiovascular issues, and chronic respiratory diseases. A 2021 publication in the Journal of Geriatric Medicine found a notable correlation between microplastic exposure in older populations and increased rates of cognitive decline and chronic illness.
Responding to these scenarios, we have developed durable PLA tableware, PLA toys, and PLA textiles to offer consumers healthier and safer product choices.
The Spread of Plastic Pollution: A Growing Ecological Burden
Microplastics are tiny particles produced when plastic products degrade. These barely visible pollutants have reached every corner of the globe, from the Mariana Trench to the summit of Mount Everest.
They are also found extensively within the human body. Besides brain, liver, and kidney tissues, microplastics have been identified in the lungs, bloodstream, placenta, and bone marrow. According to a 2021 report in Nature, microplastics permeate the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes, severely threatening marine life. Many aquatic animals mistakenly ingest microplastics, leading to stunted growth, reduced reproductive capabilities, and even death. Plastic pollution not only endangers biodiversity but also undermines the stability of entire ecosystems.
The 2021 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report indicates that approximately 8 million tons of plastic waste flow into the oceans each year, causing significant environmental damage. The widespread presence and accumulation of microplastics is an urgent issue in global environmental protection.
Polylactic Acid: An Eco-Friendly Alternative Without Microplastic Hazards
Amid the health hazards and environmental damage caused by microplastics, Polylactic Acid (PLA) emerges as a viable eco-friendly, biodegradable material. Derived from renewable resources such as corn and sugarcane via fermentation, PLA can fully decompose in a matter of months under natural conditions—unlike traditional plastics that may persist for centuries.
Compared to conventional plastics, PLA’s decomposition process does not release harmful substances or generate microplastics. A 2021 study by the International Sustainable Development Institute (ISDI) concluded that PLA’s degradation is highly eco-friendly, causing minimal environmental pollution while significantly reducing plastic waste accumulation. These characteristics make PLA an ideal choice for sustainable packaging and single-use products.
Moreover, ongoing technological advancements are improving PLA’s mechanical strength and heat resistance. Today, PLA can be widely applied in various fields, including medical equipment and food packaging. Especially in the packaging industry, PLA is viewed as a key solution for phasing out traditional plastics. By lessening our dependence on petroleum-based plastics, PLA also contributes to a low-carbon economy and helps achieve sustainable development goals.
Market Prospects for Polylactic Acid
As environmental regulations tighten and consumer demand for green products rises, the market outlook for PLA materials is increasingly positive. According to the Global Bioplastics Market Report (2022), the PLA market is projected to continue growing in the coming years and is considered one of the most promising plastic alternatives worldwide. Many international brands and manufacturers have started adopting PLA materials to meet sustainability requirements and enhance their competitiveness.
As a company focusing on the R&D and manufacturing of PLA products, Sincdoo provides customers with eco-friendly, biodegradable, pollution-free, and competitively priced sustainable products. This helps our clients gain an advantage amid stricter environmental policies and ecological challenges.
Toward a Green Future Without Microplastics
