Indoor levels of carbon dioxide may reach levels harmful to cognition by the end of this century. Researchers say the best way to reduce this hidden consequence of climate change is to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
Researchers report conflicting evidence about whether air pollution is associated with cognitive decline.
Exposure to low levels of air pollution over a decade led to changes in gene expression associated with morbidity and mortality in the longer term.
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.
Higher gestational concentrations of phthalate metabolites were associated with an increased risk of autism in boys, but not in girls. Folic acid may help to protect against the effects of phthalate exposure, researchers report.
Study reports increased temperatures due to climate change will negatively affect both the general health and mental health of humanity. Children's health will be most affected by climate change, researchers report.
Early-life exposure to high levels of traffic-related air pollution alters the structure of the brain at age 12. Children exposed to air pollution had reduced cortical thickness and gray matter volume compared to children who were not exposed to high levels of pollution.
Living less than 50 meters away from a major road, or less than 150 meters away from a highway, increases the risks for dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. However, living close to green spaces appears to have more of a protective effect against neurodegenerative diseases.
Children who experience elevated prenatal exposure to air pollution and exposure to early life stress have an increased risk of developing both attention problems and cognitive difficulties.
While the risks of developing depression, anxiety disorders, and psychosis are significantly higher for urban dwellers, researchers report there are some positive impacts on mental health for those who live in big cities.
Long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to a higher risk of depression. Additionally, suicide risk is measurably higher on days when PM10 levels have been high for over three days following less polluted periods.
Older women exposed to higher levels of air pollution were more likely to experience greater memory decline and Alzheimer's-like brain atrophy compared with those exposed to cleaner air.
