Air Pollution and Mental Health?

Air pollution may cost the global economy $5tn per year. A detailed study of 13,000 people in London (England) revealed that relatively small increases in exposure to nitrogen dioxide were linked to increased severity of mental illness. Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant largely from diesel engine exhausts (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/27/air-pollution-linked-to-more-severe-mental-illness-study). The study found that modest increases in exposure to nitrogen dioxide, produced a more than 30% increase in the risk of people needing community-based treatment for a mental condition. There was also an 18% increased risk to their requiring hospitalisation for a mental ailment. In addition, air pollution was linked to significant rises in depression and anxiety. It was also appeared to increase suicide risk, reduce intelligence and make the onset of dementia more likely. Although the study does not firmly establish a causative link, it seems that mental health impairment an be added to the list of health problems, associated with petrol and diesel exhaust systems. Another good reason for cutting back on vehicle-generated air pollution.