Impact of inhaled particulate matter and toxic substances on brain health: mechanisms of inflammation and behavioral consequences

The field of environmental health has increasingly focused on the impact of airborne toxicants and particulate matter on brain health and behavior. Recent studies have highlighted the ubiquitous presence of toxic substances such as pesticides, solvents and gaseous emissions, alongside particulate matter from sources including automobile emissions, industrial activities and wildfires. These pollutants, especially particulate matter (PM) and ultrafine particulate matter (UFP), have attracted attention due to their ability to enter the central nervous system through various routes, including the olfactory system and the respiratory tract. Once in the brain, these substances can initiate profound and long-lasting effects on the brain, disrupting neurotransmitter systems, inducing neuroinflammation, and causing oxidative stress, impacting cognition, mood, and behavior.

Despite growing evidence of these effects, there remains a significant gap in understanding the precise mechanisms by which these toxic substances and particles affect brain physiology and behavior.
Current research is actively exploring these pathways, but comprehensive insights into their long-term impact and potential interventions are still needed.

This research topic aims to investigate the effects of inhaled environmental toxicants and particulate matter on nervous system physiology and their subsequent impact on brain health and behavior. The objective is to compile a collection of original research articles, reviews, and opinion pieces that examine the mechanisms underlying these environmental influences on brain function. By addressing these questions, research seeks to uncover the pathways by which toxic substances and particulate matter alter brain physiology, cognition, mood, and behavior.
Ultimately, the goal is to inform the development of innovative therapeutic and public health strategies to protect brain health and improve overall well-being in the face of these environmental challenges.

To gather more information on the effects of inhaled toxicants and particulate matter on brain health and behavior, we welcome articles that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

· In vivo studies in animal models such as rodents and non-human primates.
· In vitro studies elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in oxidative stress and neuroinflammation due to exposure to toxic substances and air pollution.
· Human studies using psychophysical assessments, neuroimaging techniques, or electrophysiological recordings to examine the effects of toxicant exposure on olfactory processing and their correlation with behavior and brain activity.
· Studies focusing on prenatal, neonatal or perinatal exposures to fine, micro and nano-plastic particles.
· Development and use of innovative techniques such as chemogenetics or sensory-specific gene expression profiling.