Title:Ozone-induced Neurotoxicity: Mechanistic Insights and Implications
for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Volume: 33
Issue: 1
Author(s): Geir Bjørklund*, Leonard Gurgas and Tony Hangan
Affiliation:
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
Keywords:
Ozone, neurotoxicity, central nervous system, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, microglial activation, neurodegenerative diseases, mitochondrial dysfunction, therapeutic strategies.
Abstract: Ozone (O3), a reactive gas produced by sunlight-driven reactions involving nitrogen
oxides and volatile organic compounds, presents serious risks to both respiratory
and brain health. While its harmful effects on the lungs are well established, there is increasing
evidence connecting ozone exposure to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative
conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Ozone induces oxidative
stress and systemic inflammation, and activates microglia, with the potential to reach the
brain directly through the olfactory pathway. These mechanisms play a role in key neurodegenerative
processes, such as the buildup of amyloid-beta, abnormal tau phosphorylation,
and mitochondrial dysfunction. Drawing from findings in both animal and human
studies, this review highlights the critical need to reduce ozone exposure to safeguard
brain health and alleviate the growing impact of neurological disorders.
