Montreal, Canada - Even at levels considered low, air pollution may damage brain health. A Canadian study of nearly 7,000 adults reveals a link between fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide exposure with lower cognitive performance and higher odds of covert vascular brain injury.
Researchers analyzed data from the Canadian Alliance for Healthy Hearts and Minds Cohort, including adults with a mean age of 57.6 years. Five-year average exposures were calculated. For each 5 µg/m³ increase in fine particulate matter, cognitive test scores dropped measurably. Nitrogen dioxide exposure was also associated with a higher risk of silent brain injury, even after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors and greenspace.
The findings suggest no safe threshold for air pollution when it comes to brain health, and highlight the need for stricter air quality standards.