Childhood Air Pollution May Slow Brain Growth
Children who are exposed to high levels of air pollution in their early years may develop weaker connections between key brain regions, affecting their ability to think and control their actions. A new study has found that these effects could persist into adolescence, potentially influencing emotional and cognitive development.
Study Highlights Impact on Brain Networks
The study, published in Environment International, was conducted by researchers at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) in Spain. It found that increased exposure to air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen oxides (NO2 and NOX), can lead to reduced functional connectivity in brain networks. These networks are responsible for essential cognitive functions like movement coordination, attention, and perception.
Effects on Cognitive and Emotional Functions
According to lead researcher Monica Guxens, the study suggests that air pollution exposure may cause long-lasting disruptions in the brain’s development. The findings indicate that children exposed to pollutants from birth to age three had weaker connections between the amygdala—a region involved in emotional processing—and the brain networks responsible for attention, motor coordination, and auditory processing.
Air Pollution and Brain Connectivity
The study analyzed data from 3,626 children, measuring air pollution levels in their living environments. It found that higher exposure to PM10 particles in the year before a brain scan was associated with weaker connections between networks that help detect important environmental stimuli and those involved in self-awareness and introspection.
Conclusion
While the findings provide important insights, researchers stress the need for further studies to confirm these results and fully understand the long-term effects of air pollution on brain development.
As air pollution remains a growing concern in many urban areas, understanding its impact on children’s health and cognitive development is crucial for shaping future policies and interventions.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
