Outdoor air pollution from power plants, fires, and cars is causing harm to humans, animals, and the environment worldwide. Recent research has shown that even levels of pollution below government air-quality standards can affect children’s brains. A study conducted by a research team at the University of California, Davis, analyzed 40 empirical studies that found a link between outdoor air pollution and brain differences in children. These differences include changes in white matter volume, brain connections, and early markers for Alzheimer’s disease. Children and teens are particularly vulnerable to air pollution due to their developing brains and bodies, as well as increased time spent outdoors.
The study, titled “Clearing the Air: A systematic review of studies on air pollution and childhood brain outcomes to mobilize policy change,” was published in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. Most of the studies included in the review were from the United States, Mexico, and Europe, with a few from Asia and Australia. Various measures were used to assess brain differences in children exposed to outdoor air pollution, including MRI scans, chemical compound tests, and tumor screenings in the brain or nervous system. Significant differences in brain structure were observed in children from high- and low-pollution areas in studies conducted in Mexico City.
The research team noted that the brain differences observed in children were present in areas with both high levels of air pollution and those that met local air pollution standards. This suggests that even lower levels of pollution can impact children’s brain development. Sources of outdoor air pollution include coal-fired plants, wildfires, and other nearby sources. Most previous studies on air pollution have focused on how it affects adults or animals, making this systematic review unique in its focus on children. The researchers emphasized the importance of studying different developmental windows to understand how air pollution affects brain outcomes.
To establish a causal link between outdoor air pollution and brain differences in children, the research team looked at experimental animal studies that showed similar outcomes. This included markers for Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that air pollution can affect children’s brain health. The study proposed steps for parents and policymakers to protect children from outdoor air pollution, such as adding air filters to homes and schools near freeways. Air purifiers were recommended as an effective measure to reduce harm from air pollution. Researchers also suggested incorporating measures of air pollution exposure into studies on brain health and other outcomes to better understand the effects of pollution on children.
Overall, the study highlights the need to address the impact of outdoor air pollution on children’s brains and health. By taking proactive measures to reduce exposure to pollutants, such as adding air filters and conducting further research on the effects of pollution, parents and policymakers can protect children from the harmful effects of air pollution. Researchers emphasize the importance of considering air pollution exposure in studies on brain and cardiovascular health to better understand the risks associated with pollution.
