Study links global warming and pollution to rise in suicide and dementia

Research published in the journal “World Psychiatry” It also consistently links lifetime exposure to certain solvents to higher rates of dementia or cognitive impairment, as well as increased postpartum depression in women who have been exposed to certain environmental toxins during pregnancy.

One of the most important findings of the work is that global warming is one of the many reasons motivating the rise in suicide deaths since 1800. If the trend does not change, the authors warn that, according to their calculations and forecasts, “This percentage could rise to 7% in 2050.” Doctor Joaquim Radua, The director of the Clinic’s Mood and Anxiety Research Group and first author of the study explains that “this does not mean that extreme temperature changes led to a 5 percent increase in suicide deaths, since “there are many reasons that lead to suicide and heat – just one of them.”

He also adds that “90% of fever-related suicides involved people with depression or pre-existing mental disorders.” Another important finding is the link between natural disasters (earthquakes, cyclones, etc.) and higher rates of PTSD. “We have seen that in the weeks following a disaster, the incidence of these disorders increases among the population in the area,” he says. Edward VietaHead of the Psychiatry and Psychology Service of the Clinic.

“Thanks to this research, we now have clear evidence of the negative impacts of climate change and pollution on mental health around the world. These results can be used to inform government authorities and improve public information about the impact of air pollution and the risks of climate change on mental health and thus seek and implement measures to prevent it,” he says. Radua .

Another compelling finding from this scoping review is the strong association between higher levels of solvent exposure and an increased risk of developing dementia or cognitive impairment. Solvents such as toluene, acetone, xylene, hexane, heptane and ethyl acetate can release volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere, contributing to ozone formation (O3) and smog – reduction of “smoke” and “fog” – at ground level, research shows. They are also directly toxic to many parts of the body, with symptoms ranging from skin irritation, headaches and blurred vision to loss of consciousness and death. The most studied solvent at the CNS level is toluene, the side effects of which include acute encephalopathy and white matter damage. multifocal myelin loss and accumulation of macrophages.

A large meta-analysis by Clínic also found an association between exposure to certain pollutants during pregnancy and the occurrence of postpartum depression. In particular, the study shows that exposure during second trimester of pregnancy Particle pollutants (which may contain various substances such as benzopyrenes, furans, or heavy metals) from fossil fuels and industrial activities may increase the incidence of this type of depression.

“There is some evidence that exposure to these particles increases cortisol levels. These levels tend to increase in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (when there is increased secretion of the hormone). corticotropin release placenta) and are associated with a risk of postpartum depression. Therefore, the interaction of these pollutants with physiological increases in stress hormones may explain the increased incidence of postpartum depression. However, future empirical research is needed to confirm this hypothesis,” the study notes.

The study also shows that exposure to high levels of sulfur dioxide (from burning oil and other solid fuels in industry) may increase the risk of cancer.relapse in patients with schizophrenia.

“The use of these solvents poses serious health risks, especially in low- and middle-income countries where it is difficult to find alternatives to these inexpensive materials for construction or manufacturing,” he comments. Michelle DePriscoidibaps researcher and co-author of the study.

The study’s authors warn of the need to stop the effects of climate change by “bringing about changes in the way we live.” They also highlight the need to reduce the use of solvents in the coming years, given their proven impact on the physical and mental health of the population. “Since these are products that are used throughout the world, emissions of these pollutants are expected to will double by 2030which is alarming given that we now know that they not only pose an environmental hazard, but also have a serious impact on mental health,” they warn.