We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and Autism: A plausible link
Summary
This review paper explores a potential link between rising microplastic exposure and a five-fold increase in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence on Guam between 2016 and 2022. The authors examine published evidence on microplastics' neurotoxic effects — including disruption of hormone signalling and inflammatory pathways — and argue these mechanisms could plausibly contribute to ASD risk, particularly in young children during critical neurodevelopmental windows. While the causal link remains theoretical, the paper raises important questions about cumulative environmental exposures and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
BACKGROUND AND AIM: An alarming 5-fold increase in the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on the island of Guam from 2016 to 2022. This trend correlates with the environmental exposure of humans, particular young children to the ubiquitous but toxic microplastics. The nature and magnitude of its impacts to developing nervous system are only beginning to be understood. This study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the theoretical link of the potential neurotoxic effects of environmental microplastics in the face of increasing prevalence of Autism on Guam by reviewing the current evidence in literature. METHOD: Topic-focused reviews that examine the neurotoxic effects of microplastics as a potential risk factor for development of autism was conducted to cover relevant articles in Pubmed from 2020-2023 using the combinations of this search words: Autism and Microplastics, Neurotoxicity and Microplastics. RESULTS: A total of 127 articles were analyzed. Only 3 articles addressed directly the link between neurotoxicity of various microplastics on children and development of ASD symptoms. The author reviewed 95 studies on the neurotoxic effects of microplastics on other species, including fish, mice, mollusks, nematodes, crustaceans and chicken. All studies have demonstrated neurotoxicity and most common mechanisms reported include 1. induction of oxidative stress resulting to neuronal damage and neuroinflammation, 2. inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity, 3. altered neurotransmitter levels, which all could lead to ASD like symptoms. Microplastics are taken up via ingestion and inhalation, which can reach systemic circulation and ultimately cross the blood brain barrier, where it exerts its neurotoxic effects. CONCLUSIONS: There is an increased trend of ASD on Guam, which parallel with the widespread exposure of young children to microplastics, both of which require equal attention. There is much to be understood about neurotoxic effects of microplastics to children’s developing brain and further research is imperative to establish its potential linkage to ASD.