Neurotoxic effects of exposure to air pollutants

Exposure to air pollutants has been increasingly linked to neurological disorders due to their ability to alter the structure and function of the central nervous system (CNS). To analyze the impact of exposure to air pollutants on brain health and neurodevelopment. This is an integrative literature review guided by the PICO strategy. Articles were selected from PubMed, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library using the descriptors “environmental pollutants,” “pollutants,” and “brain.” Inclusion criteria encompassed open-access studies published between 2020 and July 2024 in English or Portuguese. A total of 1,913 articles were found, 80 were fully reviewed, and 20 met the inclusion criteria. Pollutants such as PM2.5, heavy metals, microplastics, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (e.g., BPA and PFAS) are associated with cognitive decline, neurodevelopmental impairment, and neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s. These agents cross the blood-brain barrier, trigger neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and disrupt neurotransmission and hormonal regulation. Notably, the hippocampus, white matter, and fetal brain development are especially vulnerable. Emerging evidence also links pollutants like benzene and ozone to brain tumorigenesis via long non-coding RNA dysregulation. Air pollution poses both acute and chronic threats to brain health across all life stages. Despite regulatory efforts, many pollutants persist in the environment, reinforcing the urgent need for further research and public health interventions.