82. Is there a teaspoon of microplastics in our brains?

About this episode

This episode explores the accuracy of claims regarding microplastics in the human brain and the challenges of measuring them.

Last year, a study made startling headlines around the world with the claim that the average person carries the equivalent of a plastic teaspoon of microplastics in their brain. But how accurate is that finding, and if it’s questionable, why did the authors present it with such confidence? This week, we explore the challenges scientists face when measuring microplastics and nanoplastics in the human body, and why even peer-reviewed research published in the world’s most respected journals can sometimes get it wrong. Plus, are pumps on things like hand soap rubbish or not, does EPR penalise colour in plastic, and why is Robbie's window full of rubbish?

People in this episode

Hosts: James Piper, Robbie Staniforth

Topics covered

• microplastics
• human health
• scientific research
• peer review
• environmental impact

Keywords

• microplastics
• nanoplastics
• human body
• scientific challenges
• peer-reviewed research

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: study

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