Our bones, our memory, our performance at school. Air pollution affects us all

In recent months, there has been a steady stream of new studies published. All illustrating the different ways pollution can affect our health. Here’s a summary of what’s new.

Pollution may weaken our bones

Scientists from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health believe they have found a link between exposure to pollutants and decreased bone density. The more pollution a person is exposed to, the weaker their bones become. We often associate weak bones and diseases such as osteoporosis with older people. However this latest study, shows pollution can impact bone health regardless of age and gender.

Air pollution ages our memory by 10 years.

In a study from the University of Warwick in the UK, scientists found that people living in areas with high pollution are more forgetful than people living in areas where the air is clean.

We have known for some time that air pollution affects cognitive function. There is growing evidence to support the theory that exposure to air pollution is linked to Alzheimer’s, dementia, and our overall mental health. But this simple study is the first of its kind to measure memory loss in terms of years. The team found that a 50-year-old living in a heavily polluted area of London, had the memory of a person 10 years older, from a less polluted part of the country.

Pollution increases the risk of strokes

In recent weeks, more evidence has been uncovered to show that exposure to tiny particles of pollution, smaller than 2.5 microns, increases our risk of strokes. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that individuals living in areas with high levels of PM2.5, were 52% more likely to suffer from a stroke, in comparison to people living in non-polluted areas.

Air Pollution linked to an increase in violent behavior

According to the latest findings from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and Colorado State University. Breathing polluted air makes us more violent and aggressive. Their research was extensive. Over 14 years, they looked at pollution levels in 34 states. Findings show that a daily rise in pollution levels, leads to a sharp increase in violent criminal behaviour, such as assault.

At this stage they cannot identify the exact process that results in such behaviour. But it is clear pollutants have an immediate effect on the brain, resulting in behavioural changes.

Air quality can affect your exam results

Researchers from the London School of Economics have been looking at how air quality in exam halls affects a student’s performance. Analyzing data from the UK and Israel, the team found that poor quality air can affect final grades by 3.4%. That may not seem like a lot. But for borderline students, it could make a difference that results in a pass or a fail.

Air quality affects us all

As we learn more about air pollution, we realize it affects every aspect of our health. We are all at risk, regardless of age, gender or where we live.

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