Driving Us Round the Bend?

A study on UK adults has shown that relatively modest increases in air pollution from vehicles, can markedly increase the incidence of common mental disorders in UK adults (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/24/small-increases-in-air-pollution-linked-to-rise-in-depression-finds-study). The mental disorders most commonly implicated in these changes were anxiety and depression. It was found that increasing nitrogen dioxide (a by-product of using diesel fuel) generated a 39% increase in mental disorders. Particulates (also from burning fuel but added to by dust from brake linings and tyres) was linked to an 18% increase in mental health problems. Pretty obviously, the people most at risk are those that live or work by busy roads. The costs of generated mental health problems need to be factored into the costs of road building schemes. A transition to electric cars whilst removing the nitrogen dioxide, wouldn't eliminate the particulates.