Abstract

Plastics have revolutionized modern society due to their durability, affordability, and versatility, leading to a surge in global production now exceeding 400 million tons annually and it is expected to be 1 billion tons within the next three decades. Environmental factors like sun exposure and oxidation contribute to the formation of microplastics (MPs), particles smaller than 5 mm, which may pose potential health risks, particularly neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer’s (AD), Parkinson’s (PD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affecting a substantial portion of the global population. MPs can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, with ingestion being the major route. MPs have been found in food items like seafood, bottled water, and table salt, leading to significant annual intake by humans. Inhalation of MPs from the air is another critical exposure route, especially in occupational settings. Although dermal contact is less significant, nanoplastics could potentially penetrate the skin barrier, raising health concerns. MPs in the body can translocate to distant tissues, exacerbating conditions during inflammation. Studies have shown MPs reaching organs like the liver, spleen, and brain, causing oxidative stress, inflammation, and potential neurodegenerative effects. This paper underscores the urgent need for further research to understand the impact of MPs on neurological health and to address this growing public health issue.