Avoiding air pollution not only safeguards your lungs but also shields your brain, according to a McMaster University expert. Russell de Souza, a professor at the university, revealed that prolonged exposure to two common air pollutants can lead to subtle changes in brain health. The study, coauthored by de Souza and published in the journal Stroke on May 13, focused on around 7,000 Canadians and how exposure to air pollutants impacted their brain performance.
The participants, with an average age of 57 from various Canadian provinces, were tested for exposure to pollutants like fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. The researchers evaluated brain health using cognitive tests, showing the brain’s efficiency in tasks. De Souza emphasized that although the declines in brain function were measurable, they were not severe enough to be immediately noticeable by individuals.
Despite Canada’s overall success in maintaining clean air, de Souza highlighted the impact of climate-related wildfires on air quality. He recommended checking daily air quality reports, especially in areas near airports, highways, and industrial zones. Health Canada suggests indoor measures to reduce exposure to pollutants like fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, emphasizing the importance of proper ventilation and avoiding enclosed spaces with idling vehicles.
De Souza’s team’s research, conducted under the Canadian Alliance for Healthy Hearts and Minds study, was funded by various Canadian health organizations. The study concluded that further research is essential to understand the long-term effects of air pollution on cognitive decline and the potential benefits of improving air quality on brain health.