The Brian Lehrer Show

Microplastics and Health

4 snips
Mar 6, 2025
Carolyn Kormann, a dedicated writer for The New Yorker and New York Magazine, dives into the alarming findings of microplastics accumulating in the human brain. She discusses how these tiny particles have been on the rise over decades, highlighting potential cognitive and health risks. Kormann also suggests practical solutions to minimize exposure, like using guppy bags and resisting excess plastic packaging. Her insights urge listeners to become more aware of their environment and take action against plastic pollution.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Increasing Nanoplastics

  • Brain samples from 2024 contained 50% more nanoplastics than those from 2016.
  • Samples from 1997 had even less, showing a clear increase over time.
INSIGHT

Brain Accumulation

  • Brain samples had 7 to 30 times more plastic than liver or kidney samples.
  • This suggests that the brain may be particularly susceptible to microplastic accumulation.
ANECDOTE

Mice Study

  • Mice exposed to microplastics showed signs of cognitive dysfunction within three weeks.
  • This suggests a possible link between microplastics and neurological problems.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app