Air Pollution Can Affect Your Mental Wellbeing

By Dr. Sonia Lal Gupta in Neurology

Oct 29, 2020

Air Pollution Can Affect Your Mental Wellbeing – Refined Article

Air pollution is a major health concern, and its harmful effects go far beyond respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. New research now shows that polluted air can also affect the brain, influencing mood, memory, behaviour, and overall mental wellbeing.

Urban areas are particularly vulnerable due to heavy traffic, industrial emissions, construction dust, and burning of waste. Air pollution contains fine particles, metals, organic compounds, and toxic gases — all of which can damage different organs depending on their concentration and exposure duration.

How Air Pollution Reaches and Affects the Brain

Ultra-fine particles (especially PM2.5 and PM1) are so small that they can even cross the blood–brain barrier, a highly selective membrane that protects the brain.

Once inside the brain:

• These particles activate microglia, the immune cells of the brain
• Microglia may mistake pollutants as harmful pathogens
• This triggers inflammation
• Chronic brain inflammation is linked to neurodegeneration and long-term brain damage

Even if the particles do not directly enter the brain, their presence in the lungs or bloodstream can trigger body-wide inflammation, indirectly harming brain health.

Impact of Air Pollution on Brain Function

Studies show that Traffic-Related Air Pollution (TRAP) negatively affects the central nervous system. It has been linked with:

• Decreased attention span
• Behavioural changes
• Reduced memory
• Poor academic performance
• Lower IQ in children
• Neurodevelopmental issues
• Increased risk of neurological degeneration

Research indicates that long-term exposure to polluted air can contribute to conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Multiple Sclerosis, due to chronic neuroinflammation.

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Air Pollution &Stroke

Both adolescents and adults are at risk. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 can:

• Reduce total cerebral brain volume
• Increase the risk of “silent strokes” (covert brain infarcts)
• Accelerate brain degeneration

A decrease in brain volume is a warning sign of future dementia and cognitive decline.

Air Pollution and Epilepsy

Air pollutants containing carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter have been found in higher levels in people living with epilepsy.

These pollutants:

• Increase inflammatory mediators
• Promote oxidative stress
• Disturb normal neurological functions

Researchers believe this inflammation can contribute to seizure disorders and worsen existing epilepsy.

Air Pollution and Cognitive Disorders

Maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, has been linked to a higher risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children.

Air pollutants — including heavy metals like lead from vehicular emissions — accelerate the ageing of the central nervous system. These particles enter the body daily and can alter:

• Social behaviour
• Communication skills
• Learning abilities
• Brain development in children

Moreover, heavy metals and particulate matter can modify gene expression, increasing vulnerability to neurological diseases.

The Bigger Picture

Air pollution has long-term effects that may be more dangerous than many epidemics, yet its neurological impact is often overlooked. People commonly attribute symptoms like memory loss, irritability, reduced focus, and behavioural changes to lifestyle factors — not pollution.

While we may not be able to eliminate pollution entirely, we can:

• Monitor mental and neurological health
• Avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during peak pollution
• Use N95 masks in high-pollution areas
• Install indoor air purifiers
• Seek timely consultations with neurologists

Early intervention can help prevent or slow down the harmful effects of air pollutants on the brain.

Disclaimer

(Research excerpts taken from the NCBI report. Metro Hospitals does not claim rights or ownership of the original data. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.)