Exposure to air pollution not only impacts lung health but also affects brain function, according to a recent study by a McMaster University professor. Russell de Souza and his team discovered that prolonged exposure to two common air pollutants led to slight differences in brain health among participants.
The study, published in the journal “Stroke,” assessed the performance of approximately 7,000 Canadians on cognitive tests. Participants, with an average age of 57 from various Canadian provinces, were examined for their exposure to air pollution over a five-year period prior to the study.
The pollutants studied were fine particulate matter, commonly found in sources like wildfire smoke and vehicle emissions, and nitrogen dioxide, a gas present in vehicle exhaust. Cognitive tests included tasks like word recall and symbol matching to evaluate brain efficiency.
Although the declines in brain health were measurable, de Souza emphasized that they were not severe enough for individuals to notice immediate effects. He stressed the importance of early detection to prevent further deterioration.
While Canada has made significant progress in reducing air pollution, de Souza highlighted that recent climate-related events such as wildfires have posed challenges to maintaining clean air standards. He advised that areas near airports, highways, and industrial zones tend to have higher pollution levels, urging people to monitor daily air quality reports for potential risks.
Health Canada recommends indoor measures such as cleaning and ventilation to reduce exposure to fine particulate matter and proper ventilation to limit nitrogen dioxide exposure from gas appliances. The agency also warns that nitrogen dioxide exposure can lead to respiratory issues, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
The study, part of the Canadian Alliance for Healthy Hearts and Minds, was supported by various health organizations. De Souza’s team suggests further research to understand the long-term effects of air pollution on cognitive decline and the potential benefits of improving air quality on brain health.
