Studies show that microplastics negatively affect the cognitive abilities of various animals, including hermit crabs, mice, bees, and zebrafish. Hermit crabs struggle to choose suitable shells, mice exhibit forgetfulness and reduced social interaction, bees have impaired learning, and zebrafish show increased anxiety.
The widespread presence of microplastics in the environment, including our food and water, poses a significant concern for human health. Humans ingest and inhale a large quantity of microplastics annually, and research suggests some particles can cross the blood-brain barrier. While direct human studies are limited, animal studies indicate potential serious effects on human brain function.