Air pollution also affects mental health
The effects on mental health, productivity and well-being
Several studies have shown that poor air quality can have negative effects on mental health, productivity and general well-being.
Air contamination, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been associated with increased cases of anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. Some studies suggest that prolonged exposure to these pollutants may affect brain neurochemistry, contributing to mental health problems.
Air quality has also been linked to productivity at work and in learning. Exposure to air pollutants can reduce cognitive ability, impair concentration and increase work absenteeism. Environments with clean air tend to promote better work and study performance.
Another association that emerged was that between poor air quality and a range of negative side effects on well-being, including deterioration of physical and psychological health parameters. This can manifest itself in symptoms of stress, fatigue and irritability, further impacting quality of life.
Finally, air pollutants can cause systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which can negatively affect not only the body but also the functioning of the central nervous system. These mechanisms can contribute to mental disorders and cognitive difficulties.
In summary, investing in air pollution reduction is not only a physical health issue, but also has important implications for people’s mental health and overall well-being. Addressing air quality problems can lead to healthier communities and greater productivity.
The research conducted in the United Kingdom
Research conducted in the United Kingdom and published in Jama suggests a correlation between exposure to pollution in early life and the manifestation of psychiatric disorders. In fact, people born and raised in polluted environments are more likely to manifest psychosis, depression and anxiety. This is a study that examined more than 9,000 children born near Bristol between 1991 and 1993 and followed them into adulthood. Data were collected and analyzed between 2021 and 2024.
The researchers looked at exposure values to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and noise and related them to the incidence of psychotic events, depression, and anxiety between the ages of 13 and 24.
The researchers’ particular focus was on nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, which can penetrate deeply into the lungs and bloodstream, causing coughing, sneezing, breathing difficulties, worsening asthma, increased risk of heart attacks and cardiac arrhythmias. Air pollution can impact mental health through impairment of the blood-brain barrier, which promotes neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
All participants were exposed above the thresholds specified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for both pollutants. The results showed that higher levels of fine particulate matter increased the likelihood of psychotic episodes, which manifested as delusions and hallucinations in 13.6 percent of the sample at age 13, 9.2 percent at age 18, and 12.6 percent at age 24. The research thus suggests the crucial role of environmental conditions in the mental well-being of young people.
Understanding the potential effect of pollution on mental health is increasingly relevant, considering the global shift toward urban living and the emission-induced climate change context.
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