Globally, approximately two-thirds of the individuals are reported to be affected with psychiatric disorders by the age of 25 years, with childhood (birth to age 9 years), adolescence (ages 10–12 years), and early adulthood being recognized as the critical periods for the development of these disorders!
Exposure to air pollution (toxic gases and particulate matter, i.e., organic and inorganic solid and liquid aerosols) as well as noise pollution has been linked to the development of psychiatric problems, including mood, affective, and psychotic disorders. With greater shift towards urban living and increasing air pollution, it is imperative to bear in mind, the human and societal cost of poor mental health.
Yet, there is gap in understanding the association between the exposure to air and noise pollution and onset of psychiatric disorders, regarding early-life (including prenatal) exposure, their effects on mental health, and the pathophysiological changes in the brain.
A longitudinal study conducted by Newbury et al., published in the “JAMA Network Open”, examined the association between exposure to air and noise pollution from pregnancy to the age of 12 years with psychotic experiences, depression, and anxiety in youths from ages 13–24 years. This study reported that (see graphic):
- Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during pregnancy and childhood was linked to increased psychotic experiences
- Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy was associated with higher rates of depression
- Exposure noise pollution in childhood and adolescence was associated with increased anxiety
(Source: Newbury JB, Heron J, Kirkbride JB, Fisher HL, Bakolis I, Boyd A, Thomas R, Zammit S. Air and noise pollution exposure in early life and mental health from adolescence to young adulthood. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(5):e2412169. Doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12169)