Reducing exposure to air and noise pollution through interventions like low emission zones may improve mental health, according to new research.
Ella Pickover reports for The Independent.
In short:
- The study links prenatal and early childhood exposure to air pollution with increased mental health issues during adolescence and early adulthood.
- Researchers followed more than 9,000 individuals, finding that higher fine particulate matter levels correlated with more psychotic and depressive symptoms.
- Noise pollution during childhood was also associated with higher anxiety levels.
Key quote:
“Our findings add to a growing body of evidence – from different populations, locations, and using different study designs – suggesting a detrimental impact of air pollution (and potentially noise pollution) on mental health.”
— Dr. Joanne Newbury, University of Bristol
Why this matters:
Mental health issues are rising globally, and pollution is a widespread, preventable risk factor. Targeted pollution reduction strategies could offer significant public health benefits, particularly for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children.
