Air pollution not only impacts physical health such as respiratory disorders, heart disease, and cancer, but also has a significant effect on mental health.
Based on several recent research journals, it was found that exposure to air pollution can affect psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and even cognitive disorders.
This article will discuss how air pollution impacts mental health based on scientific evidence that has been revealed in research journals.
What is Air Pollution?
Air pollution is a mixture of solid particles and gases in the air we breathe. Sources of air pollution can come from human activities such as motor vehicle emissions, industry, and the burning of fossil fuels.
Major air pollutants include Particulate Matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), ozone (O 3 ), and carbon monoxide (CO).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , poor air quality is one of the biggest threats to global health.
The impact of air pollution on physical health is well known, but its impact on mental health is only just getting more attention from the scientific community.
How Does Air Pollution Affect Mental Health?
A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that long-term exposure to air pollution may increase the risk of mental disorders.
Researchers found that individuals exposed to air pollution over the long term were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Anxiety and Depression
High exposure to air pollution increases levels of inflammation in the body, including the brain. This is what is believed to trigger or worsen anxiety and depression. A study by Zhang et al. (2022) published in the Journal of Environmental Research found that people living in areas with poor air quality tend to be more prone to anxiety and show signs of depression.
Cognitive Disorders
In addition to anxiety and depression, air pollution also affects cognitive function. A study by Power et al. (2020) revealed that fine particles such as PM2.5 can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and cause inflammation that damages brain cells, which then contributes to cognitive decline. This effect is particularly visible in older people exposed to air pollution in large cities.
Poor Sleep Quality
A study published in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews shows that air pollution can affect a person’s sleep quality.
People living in environments with high levels of pollution report experiencing sleep problems such as insomnia, which can indirectly worsen mental health.
Factors That Exacerbate the Impact of Air Pollution
There are several factors that exacerbate the impact of air pollution on mental health:
- Duration of Exposure: The longer a person is exposed to air pollution, the higher their risk of developing mental health problems.
- Geographic Location: Urban areas with heavy traffic tend to have higher levels of pollution, which makes residents more susceptible to mental health problems.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Individuals with low economic conditions often do not have access to health facilities or live far from sources of pollution, increasing the risk of mental disorders.
Solutions to Reduce the Impact of Air Pollution on Mental Health
Knowing the negative impacts of air pollution on mental health, it is important for the government and society to take mitigation measures. Here are some efforts that can be made:
Planting Trees and Creating Green Spaces
Green areas have been proven to filter air pollution and significantly improve air quality. Green spaces also have a positive effect on mental health by reducing stress and increasing well-being.
Using Masks and Air Purifiers
Using a quality mask when outdoors and using an air purifier indoors can help reduce exposure to air pollution.
Government policy
Governments can enforce regulations to reduce air pollution emissions, such as limiting the number of motor vehicles or tightening emission standards for industrial plants.
Conclusion
Air pollution has a significant impact on mental health, such as increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, and poor sleep quality.
Based on evidence from various research journals, this problem should be a serious concern because its impact can be detrimental to public welfare.
Through collective action and the right policies, we can reduce the impact of air pollution and protect our mental health.
Reference Source
- Twenge, J.M., et al. (2021). “Associations Between Screen Time and Lower Psychological Well-Being Among Adolescents: Evidence from a National Sample.” Journal of Adolescent Health .
- Orben, A., & Przybylski, A. K. (2020). “The association between adolescent well-being and digital technology use.” Nature Human Behavior .
- Woods, H. C., & Scott, H. (2019). “#Sleepyteens: Social media use in adolescence is associated with poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.” Journal of Adolescence .
