Impact of environmental pollution on child neurodevelopment: neuroethical implications and socio-environmental responsibility

Introduction: Environmental pollution has become a significant risk factor for children's health, especially during pregnancy and the first years of life, stages in which the nervous system is highly vulnerable to neurotoxic agents. Several studies have indicated that pollutants such as fine particulate matter, heavy metals, mainly lead and mercury, and pesticides can alter fundamental processes of brain development and increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.Method: The study was developed using a qualitative approach with a narrative review design of scientific literature. Indexed articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and empirical studies located in international academic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect were analyzed. The information collected was organized into categories related to the main environmental pollutants and their effects on child neurodevelopment.Results: The scientific evidence reviewed indicates that exposure to environmental pollutants is associated with neuroinflammation processes, oxidative stress, epigenetic alterations and neurotransmitter dysfunctions. These mechanisms can affect cognitive, behavioral and emotional functions, in addition to increasing the risk of disorders such as autism spectrum, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning difficulties.Conclusions: Early exposure to environmental pollutants represents a relevant risk for childhood neurological development and poses important neuroethical and socio-environmental implications. The findings highlight the need to strengthen environmental prevention policies, promote interdisciplinary research, and develop strategies aimed at protecting children's neurodevelopment in contexts of increasing global pollution.