Long-term exposure to air pollution linked to depression, anxiety
A major Indian study this week reported an association between long-term exposure to PM2.5 air pollution and higher odds of depression and anxiety.
Researchers analyzed data from 34,802 adults across 12 states, and the results were published in iScience this week.
City dwellers and those in lower-income groups most affected
Living in a city or being in your 40s puts you at higher risk, especially if you're from a lower-income group.
The mental health impact was strongest right after monsoon season.
Regional differences observed in mental health impact
The study noticed that people in eastern India were more likely to face depression linked to PM2.5, while those in western regions saw more anxiety cases.
Distinction between association and causation important, say experts
It's not just "pollution"—specific stuff like sulfates, nitrates, and ammonium (from traffic and industry) are tied to depression.
Elemental carbon from diesel and fossil fuels is linked with anxiety.
Dr. Anand Krishna from AIIMS emphasized the distinction between association and causation and said that even modest associations matter because a large segment of the population is exposed to polluted air.