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air pollution

Image shows a depressed looking teen girl.

Featured Psychology

·June 8, 2016·3 min read

Air Pollution Affects Young People’s Psychiatric Health

A new study ties air pollution concentrations to dispensed medications for psychiatric illnesses.

The image shows a child holding a sign with the word autism written on it.

Autism Featured

·December 2, 2013·3 min read

Air Pollution and Genetics Combine to Increase Risk for Autism

Researchers find exposure to air pollution appears to increase the risk of developing autism in those which a specific genetic disposition to the disorder.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 3, 2022·6 min read

Air Pollution and Stress Alter Brain Development and Social Behavior

Air pollution along with housing insecurity and stress during pregnancy leads to an increased risk of autism-like social behaviors and differences in neural anatomy in male mice offspring. Researchers believe the changes could be due to the immune system.

This shows a drawing of a baby and a placenta

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·March 11, 2022·4 min read

Air Pollution Can Harm Pregnancy by Affecting Gene Expression in the Placenta

Study reveals significant changes in the expression of multiple genes in the placenta associated with exposure to UFP air pollution. Additionally, researchers reported noticeable reductions in fetal and placental length, and fetal weight in those with low dose UFP exposure.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 3, 2026·9 min read

Air Pollution Degrades Semantic Memory

Long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) is directly associated with lower semantic memory.

This shows a person in a smog filled city.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 8, 2026·13 min read

Air Pollution Drives Parkinson’s Risk

A new study establishes a robust link between long-term air pollution exposure and Parkinson’s disease risk.

Featured Neurology

·June 12, 2016·9 min read

Air Pollution Emerges as a Leading Risk Factor for Stroke Worldwide

According to researchers, air pollution has become one of the leading global risk factors for stroke.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·February 23, 2023·4 min read

Air Pollution Exposure Linked to Parkinson’s Risk: Study Identifies U.S. Hot Spot

Exposure to air pollution has previously been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Now, researchers provide preliminary data linking air pollution to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. The new study, which considered geographical data and diagnosis rates for Parkinson's, revealed those who live in the Mississippi-Ohio River Valley are at particularly higher risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson's.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 13, 2021·5 min read

Air Pollution Exposure Linked to Poor Academics in Childhood

Early-life exposure to high levels of air pollution was associated with poor inhibitory control during later childhood and poorer academic performance during adolescence.

This shows a pregnant woman with a mask on.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·November 13, 2024·3 min read

Air Pollution Linked to Autism Risk During Developmental Stages

A new review highlights how air pollution, particularly fine particles and nitrogen oxides, can elevate autism risk by disrupting critical brain development processes. Key mechanisms, including nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter disruptions, reveal how prenatal and early childhood exposure impact neurological health. Small particles, such as PM2.5, can cross the placenta, potentially harming fetal brain development, especially for genetically predisposed individuals.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 8, 2018·4 min read

Air Pollution Linked to Brain Alterations and Cognitive Impairment in Children

Researchers report a link between exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and abnormal brain development in the offspring, which can lead to cognitive problems throughout life.

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Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 30, 2020·4 min read

Air pollution linked to dementia and cardiovascular disease

Long-term air pollution exposure was associated with a higher risk of dementia. Ischemic heart disease and heart failure appeared to enhance the link between air pollution and dementia.