By: Rahal K.
Photo from: Indian Express via Getty Images
Since the beginning of prehistoric times, human civilization has continued to progress, whether it be through technological advancements or cultural ideologies. However, these progressions have not come without harmful effects on living organisms and the environment. Large companies and brands from Coca-Cola to Forever 21 emit harmful toxins from their numerous factories, damaging the environment. Factories release smog, a gray gas that is carbon dioxide into the air, that harms the wellbeing of individuals and other organisms. Carbon dioxide along with other greenhouse gases, heat up Earth dramatically which can disrupt various ecosystems through global warming. Although information has been widespread on the physical and environmental health effects that these gases can take in a community, there is less discussion on how air pollution can affect one’s mental health.
Overtime, researchers have determined that air pollution can lead an individual to experiencing mental health illnesses such as depression or anxiety (PTI, 2019). Air pollutants may also have a direct effect on an individual’s cognitive abilities decreasing through their life span, since the individual is exposed to harmful toxins and particulate matter (dust, pollen, smoke, soot). Communities that live around major factories may also experience a greater risk for their mental health and thus need to be given greater attention towards.
Despite innumerable data and evidence being released about the correlation between air pollution and a decline in mental health, many people are unaware of air pollution’s psychological effects. According to the American Psychological Association, a study conducted by Dr. Frederica Perera discovered that children from the ages of 6-7 in New York were exposed to “higher levels of urban air pollutants… [and] were most likely to experience attention problems and symptoms of anxiety and depression” (Weir 2012). When air pollutants, specifically particulate matter, enter an individual’s body, the psychological effects it has on the brain can create a poor well-being which ultimately leads to poor life satisfaction. By acting as a gateway for mental illnesses to be instilled in young minds, society’s upcoming generations will face personal hindrances that will not allow them to contribute to their community effectively. Similarly, the rate at which air pollution is inducing young people to be at greater risk for depression, anxiety, and/or behavioral issues such as ADHD (attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder) increases by age as shown by the chart below.
Photo from: Environmental Health News via Flickr
As the air worsens for the United States in particular, Bienkowski, a reporter at Environmental Health News, discussed the urgent need for “psychiatric-related” emergency rooms for children. In only 4 years, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center examined 6,812 children for psychiatric disorders. They also revealed that most of these cases were located in “poorer, high poverty neighborhoods” (Bienkowski, 2019). To add on, poor areas that consist of high air pollutants substantially increases children's risk of generalized anxiety disorder (PTI, 2019). By experiencing symptoms of mental illnesses, but not having the ability to afford licensed health care, these individuals in vulnerable communities are left with chronic health issues with no outside support. At first glance, there is a strong focus on the correlation between air pollution and a decline in stable mental health. However, this study emphasizes the need to aid poorer communities in order to give them access to better healthcare, and overall achieve environmental justice. Cases may decrease as well, since less children will be exposed to environmental factors that cause mental illnesses.
With all evidence being provided, there is an exponential relationship between mental health and air pollution. However, results are rarely shown to people around the world. Since climate change is an urgent issue, there should also be a greater awareness on how air pollution is affecting ALL kinds of people and why. In an academic journal written by Chen, Olivia, and Zhang (2018), it was discovered that China’s air pollution concentration increased by six percent in only one year. China is known for manufacturing items for different countries, especially the US. However, due to their mass production levels, this leaves many Chinese adults and children experiencing air pollution in devastating amounts, which has led some individuals to experience not only a decrease in productivity, but an increase in dementia -- a disease in which an individual experiences behavioral changes along with memory loss. Dementia usually is diagnosed during old age, but evidence demonstrates that younger people are more likely to develop dementia symptoms as air pollution continues to increase in China. The chart below illustrates how prevalent general mental illnesses have become around the world due to high/low exposure of air pollution.
Photo from: Environmental Health News
Despite these results, some countries that experience air pollution in high amounts have decided to take action. To start off, China has ordered some factories to close down so “it won't exceed its annual pollution limit” (Gardiner 2017). Paris in France has banned cars but is making public transport free and encouraging car/bike sharing programs. Oslo, a city in Norway has proposed a no-car zone and instead builds 40 miles of new bike lanes which can stop the spread of carbon dioxide from cars (Vidal, 2016).
Having a good mental health is necessary for an individual to experience a good well-being. Even so, the negligence that both first and third world countries have towards pollution and the psychological effects it causes towards their citizens still goes unnoticed. The disparity between the rich and poor also leave poorer individuals unable to afford mental health facilities once they are exposed to air pollutants. Hence, it is in our best interest to work together as a community to decrease the levels at which air pollution is emitted. By working together, we can expand minds without deteriorating them from our own self-imposed actions.
Helpful Tips:
Ride a bike or walk if you don't need to travel a long distance
Purchase fewer items that were manufactured with fossil fuels
Explore sustainable fashion (thrifting) instead of fast fashion
Petitions YOU Can Sign
Discussion Questions:
What political actions do you think lawmakers should take in order to reduce air pollution in their areas (especially in poorer neighborhoods/countries)? How would these be carried out?
What are some brands (from objects to clothes) that you use in your daily life? If they come from fossil fuels, what are some sustainable items can you buy?
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