The rising tide of plastic pollutants: implications for schizophrenia onset, a mini-review

Abstract The increasing exposure to manufactured environmental pollutants, especially plastics, is linked to adverse neurological effects. While prenatal exposure to plastics has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism, the role of this exposure in schizophrenia remains under-investigated. This narrative mini-review examines the potential impact of endocrine-disrupting plastics, e.g. bisphenols and phthalates, on schizophrenia onset risk. These chemicals are ubiquitous and pervasive neurotoxicants, implicated in neuroinflammation – a key feature of schizophrenia. Additionally, microplastics have been detected in human brains, raising concerns about their potential long-term impact on neurological health. Despite the growing evidence of plastic-induced neurodevelopmental harm, this issue has been neglected for schizophrenia, with scarce human or valid animal model literature available. Limited studies indicate that plastic chemicals cause behavioural deficits, hormonal dysregulation and altered brain function relevant to schizophrenia. Cumulative exposure to multiple plastic chemicals over the life course necessitates carefully designed approaches. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms by which plastics contribute to schizophrenia risk. Epidemiological research with multi-omic approaches is needed to strengthen regulatory action and inform exposure prevention strategies particularly in high-risk populations. Given the increasing burden of environmental pollutants, urgent attention is required to address their role in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly schizophrenia.