Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
New research suggests a link between using dishwashers to clean plastic items and an increased risk of dementia. Scientists have discovered that the mechanical action of dishwashers can cause plasticware to shed potentially harmful microplastics.
The Dishwasher Dilemma: Microplastics and Potential Health Risks
A recent study has raised alarms about the practice of washing plastic plates, bowls, cups, and utensils in dishwashers. The study indicates that this process leads to the discharge of toxic microplastics, which can subsequently contaminate other items in the dishwasher.
Microplastics: A Gateway to Health Concerns
Microplastics, due to their minute size, can penetrate biological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier. This ability raises significant concerns about their potential adverse effects on human health. These microscopic particles have been associated with a range of health issues, including:
- Dementia
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Fertility complications
Quantity of Microplastics Released
The research indicates that a single dishwasher cycle involving plastic items can release approximately one million microplastic particles.
Experts estimate that this could lead to the accumulation of roughly six milligrams of microplastics in the human body annually—equivalent to about a quarter of a grain of rice.
How Dishwashers Contribute to Microplastic Release
The primary factor driving the release of microplastics is the elevated temperatures present in dishwashers.
During a typical cleaning cycle, plastic items undergo chemical, thermal, and abrasive cleaning processes. These processes expose the plastics to temperatures as high as 158°F, in addition to detergents and rinse cycles.
Expert Insights on Everyday Exposure
‘Even routine household activities, such as using dishwashers, can result in noteworthy ecological consequences,’ stated Dr. Elvis Okoffo from the University of Queensland. He further added, ‘Our findings demonstrate that plastic containers and utensils release plastic particles when washed in dishwashers.’
The Growing Concern of Dementia and Microplastic Exposure
In 2025, the United States has an estimated 7.2 million individuals aged 65 and over living with Alzheimer’s. Projections indicate this number will increase to nine million by 2030 and nearly 12 million by 2040.
While a definitive link between microplastics and cognitive decline is still under investigation, a recent study analyzing 54 brain samples revealed notably higher concentrations of microplastics in the brains of dementia patients compared to those without dementia.
Elevated Microplastic Levels in Dementia Patients
The research team at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, discovered that microplastic levels were up to ten times higher in certain instances.
Study Methodology: Assessing Microplastic Shedding
For the purposes of the recent study, researchers gathered 13 different plastic items and simulated standard dishwasher cycles. This was done to evaluate the amount of plastic shed into the water during these cycles.
The study highlighted that the released particles not only contaminate other dishes but also make their way into wastewater, eventually polluting the environment.
Reassessing the Scale of the Problem
While the findings may be concerning, study author Elvis Okoffo noted: ‘Despite the substantial number of particles discharged, the overall mass released from plastic containers is minimal compared to other recognized sources of plastic contamination.’
Previous Findings: Microplastics in the Brain
In September of last year, scientists made a significant discovery by identifying microplastics in the brain for the first time. They cautioned that these plastics infiltrate and potentially alter cells, emphasizing that there is ‘no longer any uncertainty’ regarding the dangers they pose to human health.
Researchers from the University of São Paulo identified plastic fibers and particles in the brains of eight out of the 14 deceased individuals examined.
The microplastics were specifically found in the olfactory bulb, a region of the brain located above the nasal cavities responsible for processing smell-related information and transmitting it to other areas of the brain.
They were also present in the nose, reinforcing the idea that this is a major point of entry to the brain.
Nanoplastics: An Even Greater Threat?
Researchers are concerned that levels of smaller nanoplastics, which can more easily enter the human body, may be even higher.
Professor Thais Mauad, lead researcher from the University of São Paulo, explained: ‘This study indicates that the olfactory pathway represents a potential primary route for plastic entry into the brain, implying that breathing within indoor settings could be a substantial source of plastic pollution in the brain.’
‘Given that much smaller nanoplastics penetrate the body more readily, the total concentration of plastic particles may be considerably higher.’
‘The alarming aspect lies in the capacity of these particles to be internalized by cells and disrupt the normal functioning of our bodies.’