The Effects Of Pollution On Brain Health

Air, water, soil, or noise pollution - in our modern and urbanized world, this has become an ever-growing concern. We are aware of the detrimental effects of pollution on the environment and our bodies, especially the risk factors for heart disease or respiratory function. But, not much light is shed on how it impacts the most vital organ of all - the human brain.

An increasing number of studies are now focusing on assessing the link between exposure to pollution and the development of memory loss, cognitive decline, mood disorders, and other brain health issues. From toxic fumes in the air to insidious particles in the water we consume, most pollutants leave their mark on our cognitive functioning.

To combat the effects of pollution, it is imperative to stay informed about the toll it can take on our brains.

Keep reading as we dive deeper into the lesser-known consequences of pollution on brain health.

The pollution, heart, and brain connection

Did you know that most pollution-related deaths are a result of tiny particles that are smaller than 2.5 millionths of a metre? These fine particles or pollutants, also known as, PM2.5 enter through the air we breathe or the water we drink and can cause damage to our internal organs.

In fact, some specific cases of death related to pollution include ischemic heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. When it comes to matters of the brain, pollutants can trigger inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Pollutants can enter via the olfactory neurons or the digestive system and cause damage to the nervous system’s regulatory response.

This chronic inflammation has far-reaching effects on brain health and can cause depression or anxiety symptoms, cognitive decline as seen in older people with dementia, and other such issues.

Effects of pollution on brain health

Impacts the developing brains of fetuses

• Yes, research conducted in recent years has shown that harmful particles can pass to an unborn child by the mother who inhales polluted air. Toxins like black carbon can be passed by the bloodstream to the placenta and the fetus, settling in the developing organs as early as the first trimester.
• The importance of brain health for a growing fetus is well-known, so it is worrying that these particles can disturb the developing brain. Children who were exposed to pollutants in utero are more likely to have behavioural problems as well as show signs of depression and anxiety.

Impairs cognitive functioning in children

• Just like with fetuses, pollution can cause severe harm to the heart and brain functioning of growing children too.
• The small but toxic particles can attack the blood-brain barrier (a thin barrier protecting the brain from harmful substances) and cause inflammation.
• Pollutants like Magnetite, often found in urban air pollution, can cause oxidative stress in the brain and may lead to degenerative neurological diseases.
• That’s not all. Continuous exposure to harmful pollution has a direct link to the lowering of cognitive abilities in children like memory and retention as well as learning and IQ. It has also been connected to behavioural and psychological problems like attention, and depression or increases the likelihood of developing ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

Increases likelihood of mental health illnesses

• Psychological and behavioural disorders, that were once thought to be due to genetic or biological factors, are now also being linked to environmental health risks like pollution.
• Harmful particles can affect the part of the brain that regulates emotions, resulting in the development of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
• Moreover, pollution can cause chronic inflammation in the brain which has a distinct link with psychiatric disorders like anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression among others.
• A review of over 100 research articles on pollution and mental health and brain functioning was conducted by the World Economic Forum. It was found that there were significantly higher mental health symptoms in subjects that were exposed to above-normal levels of pollution. In addition, 95% of the studies noted changes in the brain regions associated with emotional regulation among similar subjects.

Increases the risk of dementia

• It’s not just children, adolescents, and adults; even older individuals can suffer from exposure to pollution.
• Neurodegenerative diseases like dementias are categorized by long periods of cognitive decline and were thought to primarily be a result of genetic factors or unhealthy lifestyle habits. But, research states that pollution can further increase the genetic risk of developing dementia.
• As stated above, pollutants of PM2.5 can enter the brain and brake the blood-brain barrier, causing inflammation in the brain and nervous system which is linked to the start of cognitive decline.
• Several studies have proven that exposure to pollutant particles like nitrogen dioxide had a prominent effect on accelerating dementia symptoms in those with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
• Even consuming contaminated or polluted water can disturb your gut microbiome and cause inflammatory responses in the gut-brain interaction, which in turn may contribute to the development of dementia.

Conclusion

The effects of pollution are an unfortunate reality in our modern world, causing a host of problems like unhealthy heart, respiratory infections, and the most concerning of all - impairments in cognitive functioning!

While more research is necessary to comprehend the complete effects of pollution on brain health, there is enough evidence to suggest that taking proactive steps against pollution is the need of the hour.

Start by enhancing your indoor quality, as we spend a lot of time indoors. Use air purifiers and regularly ventilate your space. Monitor outdoor air quality with the help of air quality indexes and reduce stepping out during these times. Seek out green areas where the air is cleaner. Ensure you have a water filter at home or boil water before you drink, to get rid of impurities.

The importance of brain health is evident at every stage of life, from childhood to old age. So, we must take these actionable steps to create a healthier environment and safeguard our overall well-being.