Air pollution linked to rising depression rates, study finds

The research also explored potential mechanisms, finding that cognitive and physical impairments partially mediate the link between pollution and depression. The findings emphasize the mental health risks posed by environmental pollutants and call for urgent action to reduce their levels.

“Our findings underscore the critical need for integrated air quality management to improve both physical and mental health,” the authors noted. Targeting SO₂ and other key pollutants could significantly alleviate the public health burden of depression, particularly among vulnerable populations like middle-aged and older adults.

With millions exposed to unsafe air quality levels worldwide, this study highlights the intersection of environmental and mental health challenges, calling for stricter pollution controls and targeted interventions.

Reference:

Yuqing Hao, Longzhu Xu, Meiyu Peng, Zhugen Yang, Weiqi Wang, Fanyu Meng, Synergistic air pollution exposure elevates depression risk: A cohort study, Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ese.2024.100515.