Written by Kranti Kaur

It is common knowledge that pollution is unhealthy for both the environment and living organisms. However, the specific impact pollution has on the human brain is less understood. For a long time, it was believed that the brain had a protective mechanism against pollution so its threat to the brain was not a serious consideration. New research conducted at the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria has demonstrated otherwise.

The purpose of this study was to show how pollution, at even normal levels, can negatively impact the brain, contrary to previous beliefs that normal levels of pollution do not cause significant damage. Additionally, this study was  the first to show the effects of pollution on human brain connectivity. The study involved assessing the impact of  exposure of diesel exhaust and filtered air at different times on 25 adults in a laboratory. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), brain activity was measured before and after exposing the adults to diesel and filtered air. Researchers observed changes to the brain’s default mode network (DMN)—an area closely associated with memory and thinking.

The results of the fMRI found that exposure to diesel exhaust, for even only 2 hours, led to decreased functional connectivity in the DMN. Deficits in the activity of the DMN have been associated with depression and decreased cognitive function. Though further research on the  effects of pollution on the brain is still needed, the results of this study support the idea that exposure to pollution can limit thinking and working ability. Considering the importance of the DMN to brain and overall health, actions need to be taken to decrease pollution, especially in parts of the world most affected by high pollution levels.

Although these results may be demoralizing, a silver lining is that the study found that  the effects of pollution on the brain were temporary. This means that the effects of pollution can be mitigated if proper actions are taken to reduce exposure. A simple way individuals can decrease their exposure to pollution and protect their brain health is by avoiding having car windows open on the road, especially during times of traffic.

More generally, pollution can also have an impact on the development of children’s brain sizes and is associated with autism, symptoms of ADHD, developmental defects, and neurobehavioral problems in children whose mothers were exposed to pollution. However, the effects of pollution on humans is not limited to the brain. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, pollution is also involved with oxidative stress, cancer, inflammation, chronic diseases, and more disorders.

The number of disorders and diseases related to pollution only continues to rise as more research on the effects of pollutants on the human body is conducted. It is imperative that actions are taken to limit the exposure to pollutants. The push for green technology has never been more relevant, now that research has started to uncover the extent of the negative effects of pollution on the human body. Switching to green energy could help significantly reduce the amount of pollutants being released into the air which would hopefully help mitigate some of the damage already done.

Although transitioning to clean energy may take many years, something we can do immediately is work towards reducing the amount of pollutants we create as individuals. Reducing the amount of food waste along with water and plastic, reusing materials, and recycling are simple and easy ways to decrease your carbon footprint. For example, simply turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth can save large quantities of water over time. Shortening showers to about 5 minutes is also another way to save water. Avoiding the use of plastic bags in grocery stores in favor of paper bags or reusable bags is a simple way to decrease the amount of plastic that goes to landfills. Instead of driving a short distance, walking or biking would not only be more eco-friendly, but also more beneficial to your physical and mental health. When incorporated into everyday life, these small actions can truly help make a difference. Our interactions with the environment can be complex, however, committing to understanding them is crucial to ensure the health of ourselves and our planet.