Reducing pollution key to mental health of millions
Reducing pollution could improve the mental health of millions of people across Europe, according to a report published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA), which points to a link between air, noise, and chemical pollution and mental disorders.
TL;DR
- Reducing pollution could improve mental health in Europe, according to the EEA.
- Pollution, including air, noise, and chemicals, is increasingly being studied for its link to mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
- Significant correlations exist between exposure to pollutants and mental health problems, though more research is needed for definitive causal links.
- Air pollution during critical brain development periods is linked to structural and functional brain changes.
- Long-term exposure to poor air quality is associated with increased prevalence or risk of new-onset depression.
- Noise exposure is linked to behavioral problems in children and a small increase in the risk of depression and anxiety.
- Railway and aircraft noise increases are linked to higher suicide rates and depression risk.
- Exposure to lead, BPA, and secondhand smoke are associated with depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
- The EEA calls for full implementation of EU legislation and further reduction of pollution exposure.
- Nature-based solutions, such as access to green spaces, can also improve mental health.