2023-06-23 12:13:08
THE ESSENTIAL
A new study shows that even levels considered safe of certain pollutants are linked to changes in brain connections in adolescents. These changes might lead to an increased risk of cognitive and emotional problems later in life, the researchers say. More than 9,000 children have been followed for this work on the impact of air pollution on brain development.
Asthma, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, prematurity in newborns… Air pollution is associated with many health problems. This is why the peaks of fine particles and nitrogen dioxide are particularly monitored. But recent research, published in the latest issue ofEnvironment Internationalpointed out that even levels of pollution considered safe can have adverse consequences on the health, including brain, of adolescents.
Air pollution: teen brain changes even at ‘safe’ levels
Researchers at USC’s Keck School of Medicine have conducted a study that highlights the potentially devastating impact of air pollution on adolescent brain development. The researchers studied the records and brain scans of more than 9,000 participants aged 9 to 10 and then assessed their exposure to different air pollutants such as levels of fine particles, nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone. The results revealed that levels considered “safe” of pollution were enough to alter the connectivity between different regions of the adolescent brain.
Scientists have, in fact, noticed that “safe” levels of pollutants in the air, according to the standards of the EPA (American environmental agency, editor’s note), contribute to changes in brain networks during the critical period of pre-adolescence and adolescence. “Which may reflect an early biomarker of increased risk for cognitive and emotional problems later in life”warned Megan M. Herting, lead author of the study in a press release.
“This is something policymakers should consider when considering whether to tighten current standards.“, added his colleague Devyn L. Cotter.
Brain: air pollution standards should be reviewed
The results also show that greater exposure to fine particles was linked to an increase in functional connectivity between brain regions. Significant exposure to nitrogen dioxide predicted decreases in connectivity. Higher levels of ground-level ozone were associated with greater connections in the cerebral cortex, but fewer connections between the cortex and other regions, such as the amygdala and hippocampus.
“A deviation (of connections, editor’s note) in any direction from a normal trajectory of brain development – whether the brain networks are too connected or not connected enough – might be harmful down the line”said Devyn L. Cotter.
At the end of their work, the researchers call for a revision of air quality standards to better protect brain health in addition to lung and cardiometabolic health.
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