What is the brain made of?

The brain's 65% is composed of lipids, half of which are phospholipids. The remaining 35% consists of proteins and other substances.

Lipids

Since phospholipids make up the cell membranes of the brain, protect nerve cells from external stimuli and damage, and are involved in the transmission of information between nerve cells (synaptic transmission), they play a very important role in brain function.

Protein

Protein is the main component of the brain’s nerve cells and nerve fibers, and is essential for brain development and function. Essential amino acids, in particular, are important for the production of neurotransmitters and support brain activity.

The Dangers of Heat Stroke and Organic Solvents at Construction Sites

Heat Stroke

The brain can't sweat out theories.
To begin with, it is said that the brain's temperature is 1°C higher than body temperature.
When body temperature rises to 39°C due to heatstroke, the brain reaches 40°C, and cells in the cerebrum begin to suffer damage.
If that happens, you won't be able to make sound judgments—you might not realize that you need to drink water, or you might lose the ability to regulate your body temperature.

The nose and ears are the only organs that cool the brain from the outside.
That means the face masks that are all the rage right now might actually be contributing to heatstroke.
Another way to cool the brain is to cool the large blood vessels, which in turn cools the brain through the blood.

Proteins are sensitive to heat, and they begin to denature at temperatures above 40.5°C.
As Hiroyuki, the founder of 2channel, once said, “It’s like a hard-boiled egg—once it’s set, there’s no going back.”
That's roughly how it feels.

The fact that once a change occurs, it cannot be reversed means that even if the person survives, they may be left with a disability.
Data has also shown that among cases of Grade III heatstroke, only about 20% of patients survive without suffering any lasting disabilities and are able to return to their normal lives.

Organic solvents

The body is basically designed to prevent substances that are harmful to the brain from entering it.
Various substances necessary for life—such as glucose and amino acids—are taken up by the brain from the bloodstream, but there is a mechanism called the blood-brain barrier that prevents substances that should not enter the brain from doing so.

However, organic solvents and alcohols manage to get through the barrier.
And yet, even with drugs designed for the brain, getting them past this barrier remains a challenge.

I'm sure you're all aware that one of the main characteristics of organic solvents and alcohols is their degreasing effect.

The saying, “If you play around with paint thinner, your brain will melt,” isn’t just a scare tactic—it actually does melt.

Dojima River Occupational Safety Consultant

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