The olfactory bulb, prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortex are early pediatric targets for anthropogenic magnetic nanoparticles and their motion behavior under electromagnetic fields

Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and fronto-temporal lobar degeneration neuropathology hallmarks are present in young urbanites exposed to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), ultrafine PM (UFPM), and nanoparticles (NPs). Metals associated with deteriorated automobile catalysts, diesel motor emissions, brake-pads dust, and electronic waste, including rare earth elements, are entering children's brains. Cognition deficits and brain structural and volumetric changes by magnetic resonance are documented in Metropolitan Mexico City (MMC) children.

The objectives of the study are to identify ferromagnetic materials and their motion behavior upon exposure to magnetic fields 25-1,000 mT AC in 48 brain samples including olfactory bulbs, anterior cingulate, and prefrontal cortex.

Using magnetophoresis, we identified small displacements and significant magnetic vector direction variations in magnetic particles. Transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry identified the location and composition of the ferrimagnetic NPs.

MMC brain samples from 12 children 8.5 ± 7.6 years and 16 adults 39.2 ± 19.6 year showed ferrimagnetic NPs with magnetic motion behavior possessing organelle and soluble protein risk for neural damage, olfactory deficits, and neuropsychiatric burden, common early neurodegenerative manifestations.

Critical brain areas are damaged in early pediatric ages and neurodegeneration is in progress in MMC young urbanites at high risk of poor academic performance. Environmental MMC UFPM/NPs controls are needed.