UK Studies Link Air Pollution To Cognitive Decline

Air pollution, already known to cause cancers and heart and reproductive issues, may also be linked to cognitive deterioration, Matthew Ward Agius reported for Deutsche Welle.

A study led by University College London researchers has found a connection between exposure to two pollutants and below-average cognition among older Britons.

Recent British studies have highlighted the severe health impacts of contaminated air, which is connected to 1.5 million deaths annually. A landmark 2020 inquest found air pollution to be the cause of death for a 9-year-old London girl with asthma.

Now, a study led by University College London researchers has found a connection between exposure to two pollutants — nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) — and below-average cognition among older Britons.

NO₂ is primarily emitted by petrol-powered vehicles and industrial processes, while PM2.5 refers to ultrafine particles from burning fossil fuels.