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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Human Health Effects Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

Impact of Marine Microplastics on Neurologic and Functional Disabilities: A Population‐Level Study

European Journal of Neurology 2025 2 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
Bhargav Makwana, B. L. M. Desai, Jayashri Srinivasan, Diana Apetauerova, Sourbha S. Dani, Siddharth Sehgal, Oleg Yerstein, Sumanth Khadke, Ashish Kumar, Khurram Nasir, Khurram Nasir, Rishi K. Wadhera, Yixin Kong, Ana Navas‐Acién, Gary Adamkiewicz, Sanjay Rajagopalan, Sanjay Rajagopalan, Sadeer Al‐Kindi, Susan D. Moffatt‐Bruce, Sarju Ganatra

Summary

Researchers analyzed county-level data across 218 U.S. coastal communities and found a significant association between marine microplastic pollution levels and self-reported rates of cognitive, mobility, and independent living disabilities. Communities with higher microplastic exposure showed higher prevalence of neurological and functional impairments. While the study notes the relationship is associative rather than causal, it highlights the urgent need for further research into how microplastic exposure may affect brain and nervous system health at a population level.

Body Systems

This study highlights a significant association between marine microplastic pollution and the self-reported prevalence of cognitive, mobility, self-care, and independent living disabilities at the county level. While merely associative, these findings emphasize the urgent need for further investigation into the individual-level health impacts of microplastic exposure and underscore the importance of environmental interventions to mitigate potential risks.

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