Study Links Long-Term Air Pollution Exposure to Mental Health Hospital Admissions

Research involving over 200,000 people in Scotland reveals nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter as key contributors to mental and physical health risks.

A study by the University of St Andrews analyzed data from over 200,000 individuals in Scotland between 2002 and 2017, linking long-term air pollution exposure to increased hospital admissions for mental health and behavioral disorders.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was identified as the pollutant most strongly associated with mental health hospitalizations, while particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) were linked to respiratory, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases.
The study highlights that even air pollution levels below older World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines can significantly impact health, with NO2 and PM2.5 levels exceeding the stricter 2021 WHO guidelines.
Researchers advocate for stricter environmental regulations, expanded low-emission zones, and a transition to renewable energy to mitigate health risks and reduce hospital care burdens.
The findings add to growing evidence on the psychological and biological effects of air pollution, emphasizing its role in conditions like anxiety, depression, and psychosis.