<
https://theconversation.com/early-exposure-to-air-pollution-could-affect-brain-development-and-mental-health-later-in-life-new-research-252644>
"Exposure to air pollution in early life could have lasting effects on child
development and mental health in adolescence, according to our recent study.
We integrated air pollution data with existing longitudinal data from the
Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS). The CHDS has followed more
than 1,200 children born in the city in 1977, with a strong focus on
developmental and mental health outcomes.
Our aim was to examine how exposure to air pollution shapes development and
mental health in later childhood and adolescence. We found an increased risk of
attention problems, conduct issues, lower educational attainment and substance
abuse in adolescence associated with higher exposure.
Existing evidence often focuses on adulthood. However, by tracking air
pollution exposure from the prenatal period to the age of ten, and linking this
data to subsequent cognitive and mental health outcomes, we were able to
highlight the long-term consequences of growing up in polluted environments.
Air pollution is one of the leading environmental contributors to disease,
especially respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Children are especially
vulnerable to air pollution because their brains and bodies are developing.
A growing body of evidence suggests air pollution could affect brain
development, educational attainment and mental health, contributing to
depression, anxiety and conduct or attention problems. Despite this, few
studies have tracked long-term exposure to air pollution from early childhood."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
