“To obtain precise data on this risk factor, researchers from Inserm, from the University of Rennes 1 and the School of Advanced Studies in Public Health (EHESP) at Irset wanted to identify the impact on cognitive performance of three pollutants linked to road traffic (fine particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns, carbon dioxide nitrogen and soot carbon).
They thus compared the results of cognitive tests of a large sample of people according to their level of exposure to these different pollutants. The results of the study suggest a link between exposure to higher concentrations of pollutants and a lower level of cognitive performance, a link which differs according to the pollutants. »
Their study revealed that a decline in cognitive performance might occur as early as age 45the research team drew on data from more than 61,000 participants from the epidemiological cohort constantsaged 45 and over.
The adverse health effects of air pollutants even at low levels of exposure are well documented. Recent research has notably suggested that in addition to increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, air pollution might accelerate cognitive decline.
By crossing the results of cognitive tests with the level of exposure to the three atmospheric pollutants, the study indicates that exposure to greater concentrations of these pollutants would be significantly associated with a lower level of performance in the three cognitive domains studied. .”
From there to considering the level of air pollution in the environment of schools, there is only one step that public health and school authorities would be wise to take.
For the full article: Being exposed to air pollution would increase the risk of having poorer cognitive performance. Inserm
For publication in the Lancet – Planetary Health – Outdoor air pollution exposure and cognitive performance: findings from the enrolment phase of the CONSTANCES cohort.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(22)00001-8/fulltext
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