We all know air pollution is bad for our lungs – but new research reveals it’s might be messing with our brains.
Scientists have found that even brief exposure to high levels of particulate matter (PM) can make everyday tasks harder, from interpreting emotions to focusing on simple activities like grocery shopping.
A study from the Universities of Birmingham and Manchester, published in Nature Communications, tested cognitive abilities before and after exposure to either high pollution levels (via candle smoke) or clean air.
The result…
Selective attention and emotion recognition took a hit, regardless of whether participants breathed through their noses or mouths.
Dr Thomas Faherty from the University of Birmingham put it bluntly: “Our study provides compelling evidence that even short-term exposure to particulate matter can have immediate negative effects on brain functions essential for daily activities, such as doing the weekly supermarket shop.”
While working memory seemed unaffected, the fact that air pollution impacted key cognitive functions is alarming.
Selective attention helps us stay focused, resist distractions and make smart decisions. Emotion recognition is crucial for social interactions, helping us navigate relationships at work and home.
When these abilities decline, it’s not just an individual problem – it has economic and societal consequences.
Professor Francis Pope, also from the University of Birmingham, warned: “Poor air quality undermines intellectual development and worker productivity, with significant societal and economic implications in a high-tech world reliant on cognitive excellence.”
With air pollution already linked to neurodegenerative diseases, the scientists say this study reinforces the urgent need for stricter air quality regulations.
