Overview
- An international team from the University of Technology Sydney and Auburn University published the systematic review in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.
- The analysis synthesizes evidence that microplastics can trigger immune activation, drive oxidative stress, disrupt the blood–brain barrier, impair mitochondria and damage neurons.
- The mechanisms described plausibly intersect with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s pathology, such as beta-amyloid and tau buildup and alpha-synuclein aggregation, without establishing a direct human causal link.
- Researchers cite pervasive exposure from food, drink and household sources, estimating average adult intake at roughly 250 grams of microplastics per year.
- The authors urge behavioral steps to limit exposure and policy actions to curb plastic production and improve waste management, alongside ongoing lab studies to probe cellular effects.