You might already know about microplastics in our oceans and food, but here’s a new twist: they’re accumulating in our brains, too.

A recent study has revealed astonishing levels of microplastics in human brain tissue—ten times higher than in other organs. To put that into perspective, researchers equate the concentration to having about one plastic spoon’s worth of microplastics per gram of brain tissue.

The implications are particularly alarming for those with neurological conditions. Individuals diagnosed with dementia showed even higher concentrations of these tiny plastic particles, although the direct link between microplastics and dementia remains unclear. This connection raises more questions than answers, urging for further research to understand the potential health impacts.

Meanwhile, global plastic production isn’t slowing down; it’s ramping up, leading to an ever-increasing presence of plastics in our environment and, evidently, our bodies.

So, while the convenience of disposable cups might be tempting, consider this: each sip could be adding to the plastic already coursing through your bloodstream and settling in your brain. This isn’t just a call for better waste management; it’s a wake-up call for rethinking our daily plastic consumption.