How Thermal Degradation in Take-Out Containers Leads to Cognitive Decline
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.4061Keywords:
Microplastics, Blood-Brain Barrier, Thermal Degradation, Plastic Containers, Neurotoxicity, Cognitive DeclineAbstract
The modern food industry heavily relies on single use plastic containers in order to prioritize customer convenience, without considering the long term neurological consequences of this practice. This literature review synthesizes existing papers and current research to depict how micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) enter the human body -especially upon exposure to heat or acidity. These synthetic polymers can then bypass the blood-brain barrier and accumulate to dangerous levels in the Central Nervous System. This review highlights the mechanisms by which MNPs trigger neuroinflammation, release oxidative stress, increase rapid neurodegenerative decay, and worse, increase the risk of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Dementia. Ultimately, this review underscores the critical need for the commercial food industry to adopt biocompatible packaging and urges medical professionals to consider such factors when evaluating patients.
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