Neurological effects of traffic pollution
The link between air pollution and respiratory disorders is quite well known [1]. The association between air pollution and cardiovascular diseases has been reviewed in a previous post.
The latest research on air pollution looks into the neurological effects with following results:
Air pollution and brain function [2]
Exposure to diesel fumes triggers a stress response in the human brain. Researchers were able to demonstrate this using dilute diesel exhaust fumes (300 µg/m3) as model for ambient particulate matter exposure and monitoring brain activities by quantitative encephalogram (QEEG). In this double-blind randomized crossover study, those exposed to diesel exhaust showed a significant increase in the median power frequency of the QEEG after 30 minutes of exposure. This functional response in the brain continued to rise with longer exposure.
Air pollution and children`s IQ [3]
Children exposed to traffic-related pollution perform poorly in intelligence and memory tests compared those who breathe cleaner air. This prospective birth cohort study looked into children`s exposure to black carbon, a particulate matter component generated by traffic vehicles. Heavy exposure to black carbon translated to drops in averages scores in intelligence, vocabulary, memory and learning scales and indices. “Higher levels of black carbon predicted decreased cognitive function across assessments of verbal and nonverbal intelligence and memory constructs.”
It is speculated that “ultrafine” or “nanoparticles” found in the environment translocate to the brain and cause increased oxidative stress and brain inflammation.
Sources:
1 Andersen et al. Ambient Air Pollution Triggers Wheezing Symptoms in Infants. Thorax.Published Online First: 11 February 2008
2. Cruts et al. Exposure to diesel exhaust induces changes in EEG in human volunteers. Particle and Fibre Toxicology. Particle and Fibre Toxicology 2008, 5:4.
3. Franco Suglia et al. Association of black carbon with cognition among children in a prospective birth cohort study. American Journal of Epidemiology 2008 167(3):280-286.
2 Comments
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April 9th, 2008 at 9:16 am. Permalink.
- Vitamin D Brain replied:
Vitamin D Brain
this article alone provides very clear answer to the most misunderstood part of the issue.
May 3rd, 2008 at 2:22 pm. Permalink.