Air pollution and noise in childhood may affect mental health

Impact air pollution and noise in the early stages of life, even in the womb, is associated with three common problems at birth. mental health (psychotic experiences, depression and anxiety) from adolescence to young adulthood.

This is the conclusion Studying who publishes The JAMA Network is open British researchers led by the University of Bristol who analyzed the data more than 9000 participants, in the southwest of England, from the moment of pregnancy, between 1991 and 1992, up to 24 years old children.

PREGNANCY, EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE

Researchers studied long term impact exposure to atmospheric and noise pollution during pregnancy, early childhood and adolescence about three common mental health problems: psychotic experiences, depression and anxiety.

Results suggest ‘important role’ for exposure air pollutionin this case to small particles (PM2.5) early in life (including in utero) in the development of mental health problems in young people, the authors write.

A “relatively small” increase in fine particles during pregnancy and childhood was associated with more psychotic experiences and symptoms of depression many years later, during adolescence and early adulthood, the university explained.

Each increase is 0.72 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5. during pregnancy and childhood were associated with growth of 11% and 9% about the chances of getting hurt psychotic experiencesrespectively.

Impact of this type of pollution only during pregnancy was associated with 10% increase about the likelihood of suffering depression.

Taking into account noise pollutionlarge exposition in childhood and adolescence was associated with an increased likelihood anxiety.

These associations persisted after considering many associated risk factorssuch as family psychiatric history, socioeconomic status and other regional factors such as population density, deprivation, green space and social fragmentation.

In both cases, psychotic experiences, depression and anxiety were measured. at 13, 18 and 24 years oldindicates research.

CRITICAL PERIODS OF DEVELOPMENT OF VIOLATIONS

Childhood, adolescence and early adulthood are critical periods for the development of mental disorders: nearly two thirds of those affected worldwide get sick before age 25recalls Joan Newbery of the University of Bristol, one of the signatories.

The results of this study add “to a growing body of evidence—from different populations, locations, and study designs—that suggests harmful effects environmental pollution (and possibly noise pollution) has a negative impact on mental health,” he added.

Early exposure to these factors can be detrimental to mental health, given the extensive brain development and epigenetic processes that occur. in utero and in childhoodsays the study.

In case of air pollution, this can also lead to fetal growth restriction and premature birthwhich are risk factors for psychopathology.

The evidence was “more compelling” for exposure to noise pollution in childhood and adolescence, which could increase anxiety. increasing stress and disrupting sleep.

High noise levels can also cause chronic physiological arousal and changes in endocrinology. Noise pollution can also affect cognitive abilities, which can increase anxiety, affecting concentration during school years.

The researchers were interested to see that noise pollution was associated with anxiety, but not with psychotic experiences or depression.

However, they cautioned that the noise pollution measure in this study only assessed the decibels (intensity) of road sources and not other noise characteristics such as tonewhich may be related to mental health.

The authors highlight the feasibility of action to reduce exposure to air and noise pollution, e.g. clean air zoneswhich could improve the mental health of the population.

Moreover, they believe that new research needs to be done to shed more light on the problem. main reasons these associations.