A recent study by scientists from the University of Birmingham and the University of Manchester has revealed that even short-term exposure to high concentrations of air pollution particles (PM) can negatively impact cognitive functions, making it harder to focus, recognize emotions, and make decisions. These findings further confirm the growing concerns about the harmful effects of air pollution on human health.
Researchers conducted an experiment in which participants were exposed to high levels of air pollution using candle smoke or stayed in a clean-air environment. Before and after exposure, participants underwent tests measuring working memory, selective attention, emotion recognition, psychomotor speed, and sustained attention.
The results showed that selective attention and the ability to recognize emotions were significantly reduced in those exposed to polluted air, while working memory did not show significant changes. This suggests that certain cognitive functions may be more resilient to short-term exposure to pollution.
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Social and Economic Consequences
Co-author of the study, Professor Francis Pope from the University of Birmingham, emphasized that poor air quality undermines intellectual development and worker productivity, leading to serious economic and social consequences.
„In a high-tech world that increasingly relies on cognitive excellence, reduced productivity due to air pollution could have long-term negative effects on economic growth”, said Pope.
Dr. Thomas Faherty, also from the University of Birmingham, pointed out that even short-term exposure to polluted air can make everyday activities more difficult, such as grocery shopping, decision-making, or maintaining concentration at work.
The study is the first to experimentally manipulate PM particle inhalation, providing valuable insights into how pollution affects cognitive functions. Researchers stress the need for further investigation into the long-term consequences of pollution on the brain, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
A Global Problem and the Need for Regulations
Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental risks to human health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), PM 2.5 particles are responsible for approximately 4.2 million deaths annually. Besides affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, there is increasing evidence linking them to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
The WHO recommends that PM 2.5 concentrations should not exceed 15 µg/m³ daily and 5 µg/m³ annually. However, in many urban areas, these values far exceed recommended limits, highlighting the urgent need for stricter air quality regulations and public health measures to mitigate the harmful effects of pollution on the brain and overall population health.
