Pollution: The Invisible Threat to Brain Health
It’s well known that the air we breathe has a significant impact on our respiratory and cardiovascular systems, but how does it affect the health of our brains? In this post, we’ll be exploring the influence of air quality on our neurological development, mental health, and overall cognitive function.
What’s in our air?
So, what exactly is it in our air that is impacting our brains? Well, pollution comprises a complex range of chemicals, particles, and gases. Some of these found in polluted air are so-called neurotoxins, meaning that they can lead to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and disrupt neurotransmitter systems. Some of the key pollutants that can have detrimental effects on brain health include:
Nitrogen dioxide
Ozone
Sulfur dioxide
Fine particulate matter
Volatile organic compounds.
These pollutants are found in both outdoor and indoor environments and can penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
Neurological development
Of particular concern is early life exposure to some of these pollutants within our air, due to their potential impact on neurological development. For example, consistent prenatal exposure to poor air quality has been linked to a variety of adverse consequences, including impaired neurobehavioral development, low birth weight, and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (or ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder, (or ASD).
Mental health
High levels of air pollution have been associated with an increased risk of experiencing a range of mental health disorders, including, anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders. Studies point to a bi-directional relationship between mental health and air pollution, and suggest that pre-existing mental health conditions may also be exacerbated by poor air quality.
Cognitive function
Research has also shown a clear link between prolonged exposure to air pollution and cognitive impairment and decline. This can affect the brain’s memory center, executive function, and attention. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests that poor air quality experienced over a person’s lifetime may accelerate cognitive aging, increasing the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.
Although air quality is not always something that we as individuals have a huge amount of control over, it is something that we can be aware of. For instance, there are small steps that we can take to improve our indoor air quality, including filtration systems and regular ventilation (get those windows open!)