A recent study published in Neuroscience has shed light on the potential impact of nanoplastics on mental health, revealing that these tiny plastic particles can disturb brain activity and alter behavior. Nanoplastics, which measure less than 1 micrometre in diameter, are invisible to the naked eye and can be found throughout the human body, from the bloodstream to various organs.
The research focused on how these minuscule particles interfere with brain development and social behavior. Researchers exposed pregnant mice to nanoplastics at different stages of development, from the womb to early adulthood, and then assessed their behavior and brain activity. The results highlighted the significant effects that the timing of exposure has on mood and social interactions.
Mice exposed to nanoplastics during late pregnancy or early adulthood displayed signs of anxiety, including a reluctance to engage socially and distress in unfamiliar environments. Their brain activity in dopamine-related regions, including the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, was disrupted. Dopamine, often referred to as the “happy hormone,” plays a key role in regulating mood and behavior, and its disruption is believed to contribute to the observed anxiety.
On the other hand, mice exposed to nanoplastics during mid-pregnancy exhibited slower movements without noticeable behavioral changes, while those exposed during adolescence had increased brain activity but no significant behavioral changes.
These findings underline the potential long-term dangers of nanoplastics, which can enter the body at sensitive stages such as pregnancy and disrupt vital brain functions. The study raises concerns about the impact of nanoplastics on human health, particularly on mood regulation, social interactions, and motor function.
