05/04/2025
🌍 Breathing in , battling —what’s the link? 🧠
Our latest systematic review explores how ambient air pollution (Particulate matter [PM2.5] and Nitrogen Oxides) affects the mental health and neurodevelopment of children and young adults.
With increasing and deteriorating , are we unknowingly shaping young minds in harmful ways?
🔬 What We Found:
✅ 36 associations identified between air pollution and adverse mental health outcomes including, spectrum disorder ( ), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ), and , , and across 7 exposure periods from pre-gestation throughout gestation, infancy and childhood.
✅ Early-life exposure to ambient air pollutants is strongly linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD 📊
✅ Cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues show significant though inconsistent links to ambient air pollutants
📢 Why It Matters:
The developing brain is highly vulnerable to environmental influences, and these findings highlight the urgent need for policy interventions to protect future generations.
