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Neuropsychiatric implications of micro- and nanoplastics: a scoping review
Summary
This scoping review examined neuropsychiatric implications of micro- and nanoplastics, finding emerging evidence that both polymer particles and their chemical additives (including endocrine disruptors) may affect neurodevelopment and cognition, with research still in early stages.
Plastics are composed of three elements: the fossil-fuel derived hydrocarbon polymer, which eventually breaks down into micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs); intentionally-added substances (IAS), which are chemicals that give the plastic polymer desired physical properties; and unintentionally-added substances (UIAS), which are chemicals that enter the plastic polymer during the production phase. Historically, plastics-related health research has focused on IAS. There are many studies proving that many IAS act as endocrine disruptors and can affect neurodevelopment and neurocognition. More recently, researchers have identified MNPs in human tissue, including the brain. Less is known about the direct neurological and psychiatric impacts of these MNPs, which is the focus of this review.