A recent study has found a significant link between exposure to air pollution and hospital admissions for mental health issues. The research, which analyzed data from over 13 million hospital admissions in England, revealed that even short-term exposure to poor air quality can increase the risk of mental health hospitalizations.
The study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, found that for every 10 microgram per cubic meter increase in particulate matter (PM2.5), there was a corresponding 2% increase in hospital admissions for mental health issues. The researchers behind the latest study are calling for further research to be conducted into the relationship between air pollution and mental health.
Policies and interventions targeting air pollution emissions such as zero-emission zones or incentives for renewable energy in transportation and energy production sectors could help ease the hospital-care burden in the long term both locally and globally.Dr Mary Abed Al Ahad, University of St Andrews
The researchers also discovered that the association between air pollution and mental health hospitalizations was strongest for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
The lead author of this analysis emphasized that the need for policymakers to take action to reduce air pollution levels. The researchers noted that while the exact mechanisms by which air pollution affects mental health are not yet fully understood.
The study's results shown that with previous research that has suggested a link between air pollution and mental health issues. It has been found that long-term exposure to air pollution was associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Specifically, higher cumulative exposure to pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was found to be associated with a greater incidence of hospital admissions for all causes. According to Ioannis Bakolis, a professor of public mental health and statistics at King's College London, the study's large-scale data was thoroughly analyzed, providing further evidence of the connection between air pollution and mental health.
Reference:
The Journal of Health and Pollution (Retrieved From: https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov)
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM)