Microplastics in the brain? BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment evaluates new study - so far no evidence of health risks
What it's about:
In a recently published scientific study, researchers report that they have detected microplastics in the brains of deceased people. The study is the subject of controversial scientific debate and is currently being evaluated by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment). In particular, the suitability and specificity of the measurement method (pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry, or pyrolysis GC/MS for short) is being scrutinised. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is preparing its own statement on the issue. Furthermore, the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment will take up the topic at a public consumer protection event focussing on "Microplastics" in December 2025.
According to the current state of knowledge, there is no reliable toxicological evidence of health risks from the ingestion of microplastics via food. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment provides further information on the current status in its External Link:FAQ.
Intensive research has been conducted on the topic of microplastics for some time in order to obtain reliable data and thus better assess the health risk for consumers. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is also conducting scientific studies on possible health risks and researching the public's perception on microplastics through representative population surveys.
The term microplastics generally refers to small particles that consist of water-insoluble synthetic polymer materials, usually made from crude oil. The particles differ in terms of their origin, size, shape and chemical composition. In most cases, particles between 1 micrometre (µmshort formicrometre, equivalent to 0.001 millimetres, mmshort formillimetre) and 5 mmshort formillimetre in size are meant when talking about microplastics.
Microplastics are widespread in the environment and can be found in water, soil and the air. Humans can come into contact with microplastics via air, dust, drinking water, food and cosmetics, for example, and absorb them through food or when breathing.
According to the current state of knowledge, it is unlikely that plastic particles, for example in food or cosmetics, pose a health risk to humans; there is no evidence of harmful effects. Comprehensive information on microplastics and possible health risks can also be found in our FAQ "External Link:Microplastics - facts, research and unanswered questions".
Scientific publication on microplastics in the brain:
Nihart, A.J., Garcia, M.A., El Hayek, E. et al.short foret alii (lat. "and others") Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nat Med 31, 1114-1119 (2025). External Link:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03453-1
Further information on microplastics
- FAQ: Microplastics – facts, research and open questions Go to FAQ
- Topic page: Health assessment of microplastics External Link: Go to page