Air Pollution and Its Effects on the Body and Mind

It has been well documented that individuals living in areas with moderate to great amounts of air pollution have felt the impacts on their physical health, manifesting in respiratory issues, such as asthma and cancers, heart disease, and other conditions. However, in addition to modern lifestyles and daily stressors, research in the last decade or so indicates that air pollution also has an effect on mental health, biologically affecting neurotransmitters and brain chemistry and ultimately our cognitive and behavioral processes. For adolescents and youths, as well as for the elderly, there is an increased risk in the development of anxiety and depression. There have been some suggestions for us to change our lifestyles, but oftentimes, that is easier said than done.