Microplastics linked to disruption of human mental health and brain function

15 articles · Updated · Psychology Today · Apr 29

Recent research highlights that microplastics infiltrate the human brain, with Chinese studies detecting them in 99.4% of diseased and 100% of healthy brain samples.
Microplastics disrupt hormones, neurotransmitters, and the gut microbiome, potentially causing neurotoxicity, inflammation, anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment through multiple biological pathways.
While direct human evidence is still emerging, animal studies confirm microplastics cross the blood-brain barrier and damage neurons, prompting experts to recommend reducing exposure and advocating for stricter plastic regulations.

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