Overview
- Doctors and psychologists report growing evidence that prolonged pollution exposure is linked to higher anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment and sleep problems.
- Children are flagged as especially vulnerable, with experts citing lower IQ, memory issues and elevated ADHD risk, and paediatricians noting more attention and learning difficulties.
- Researchers describe biological and behavioural pathways, including inflammation and cortisol surges along with reduced outdoor activity and social isolation that worsen mental wellbeing.
- Vulnerable groups such as children, older adults and low-income communities face disproportionate psychological burdens, compounding existing disadvantages.
- Specialists call for integrating air-quality management with mental-health services, urban green spaces and stricter emissions control, noting residents report 30–40% higher depression and anxiety than in lower-AQI cities.