The connection between mental health and air pollution
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Air pollution is a serious public health issue that affects many people. More and more research is establishing a connection that it can lead to many health problems, such as asthma, and lung cancer (Although air pollution has been associated with lung cancer incidence for at least two decades, the exact mechanism by which small pollutant particles in the air cause lung cancer had not been identified.), and blood pressure leading to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. More recently, research and studies indicate a connection between mental health and air pollution, not only that but a large number of studies have found related to children.
Can Air Pollution Affect Your Mental Health?
Air pollution has been linked to common mental health disorders and declined cognitive functions. Robust evidence for interquartile range increases in PM2.5, NOx, and NO2 to be associated with 18-39% increased odds of common mental disorders, 19-30% increased odds of poor physical symptoms, and 33% of psychotic experiences only for PM10.
This recent study by the University of Washington has added evidence showing that both prenatal and postnatal exposure to air pollution can harm kids. Interestingly, babies can have air pollution in their lungs and brains, even before they take their first breath. One study found that for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter increase in PM2.5 levels (fine particulate matter), there was a large increase in emergency room visits for mental health issues.
Air Pollution Exposure and its effect on children
Studies from all ranges of adolescents indicate a relationship between exposure to air pollution and the development of health issues. Air pollution in these studies primarily considers exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP).
This recent study suggests an association between exposure to air pollution; particularly in the first 5 years of life alters brain structure. This same study indicates that these effects were observed even at pollution levels complying with the European Union Standards.
The Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study indicates that exposure to TRAP has been linked to childhood anxiety symptoms. TRAP was associated with significant increases in Myo-inositol. Recent elevated TRAP exposure and increased Myo-inositol levels were also significantly associated with increased generalized anxiety symptoms with 12% of the total effect between TRAP and generalized anxiety symptoms being mediated by Myo-inositol levels.
With more studies comes more attention from government officials. The UK Chief Medical Officer’s recent annual report shines a light on the fundamental importance of indoor air quality. From the document:
"Air pollution affects us all. It is associated with impacts on lung development in children, heart disease, stroke, cancer, exacerbation of asthma, and increased mortality, among other health effects.
Except for air pollution in our own homes, we have little control as individuals over the level of pollution that we and our families breathe – this must be seen as a societal problem to solve.
Indoor air pollution is becoming an increasing proportion of the problem as improvements in outdoor air pollution occur. We need a better understanding of how we can prevent and reduce indoor air pollution."
“[T]here’s a lack of awareness that air pollution may increase the severity of mental illness, and thereby substantially increase the social and financial burdens in communities already struggling with these other social and economic challenges. Behavioral healthcare systems frequently aren’t aware of links between pollution and mental illness, failing to consider it in diagnoses and missing opportunities to help people protect their mental health.”
Conclusion: Improving our living environment to protect our mental and physical health
While still more must be understood from the harm of air pollution, studies slowly seem to be establishing a connection between poor air quality and pollution with tiny airborne particles which cause brain inflammation. While it is too soon to jump to conclusions it is undeniable that the quality of our air environment has an impact on our physical and mental health. According to the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution is estimated to cause 6.7 million premature deaths worldwide. More research and studies are continuously establishing that air pollution is an invisible but very real factor that can have significant impacts on our health. Billions of people still breathe unhealthy air on a regular basis; which is why all attempts at reducing air pollution both inside and outside the home are extremely important factors that must be taken seriously for the future of us and our children.
