Pass the Aspirin?

The impact of particulate emissions (mainly from cars) on human health, have been known about for years. Things are now, however, getting personal! A study has looked at cognitive (thinking) tests in almost 1000 old (average age 69) white men, living in the Greater Boston area of the US (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/03/air-pollution-spikes-may-impair-older-mens-thinking-study-finds). The study checked performance in cognitive tests against the local levels of PM 2.5s (small particulates). Even short rises in air pollution, seemed to impair memory and thinking in these older men. Their cognitive performances actually fell, following rises in particulates, a month before the tests. Interestingly, reductions in performance were less marked, if the individuals were taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The authors of the study, suggest these medications reduce the brain inflammation produced by exposure to PM 2.5s. Worryingly, here in the UK, government are happy to have a 'safe' level of PM 2.5s, two and a half times that recommended by the World Health Organisation! Now, where did I put my car keys?