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Neurotoxicants, the Developing Brain, and Mental Health
Carlos Cardenas-Iniguez1, Elisabeth Burnor1, Megan M Herting1
1Department of Population and Public Health Sciences (CC-I, EB, MMH), Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, and the Department of Pediatrics (MMH), Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science
|August 1, 2022
Summary
Urban neurotoxicant exposures like lead and pollution harm child brain development and mental health. Addressing these environmental factors and social disparities is crucial for improving long-term health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Urban environments present unique exposures impacting neurodevelopment and neuropsychological health.
- Neurotoxicants, chemicals interfering with nervous system function, pose significant risks, especially in utero and early childhood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review three key neurotoxicants linked to the built environment: lead, particulate matter, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
- To explore the neural mechanisms and neuroimaging evidence of how these exposures affect brain development.
- To examine the role of social determinants in neurotoxicant exposure and resulting mental health disparities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing findings on lead exposure, outdoor particulate matter, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
- Analysis of neuroimaging studies detailing neural-level impacts of environmental exposures.
- Discussion integrating social determinants and health disparities related to neurotoxicant distribution.
Main Results:
- Lead, particulate matter, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals are significant environmental neurotoxicants affecting brain development.
- Mechanisms of neurotoxicity involve interference with central nervous system function, evidenced by neuroimaging.
- Disparities in exposure and mental health outcomes disproportionately affect low-income and minority populations.
Conclusions:
- Environmental neurotoxicants pose a substantial threat to children's neurodevelopment and mental health.
- Understanding neural mechanisms and social determinants is vital for targeted interventions.
- Multifaceted approaches addressing social systems and environmental exposures are essential to reduce health disparities and improve quality of life.
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