We often think about things like Alzheimer’s and dementia as unavoidable consequences of aging – where people win or lose a sort of mental lottery, as they get older and their cognitive processes become less targeted or efficient.
But scientists are getting new information that shows ever more direct links between environmental contaminants like air pollution, and these sorts of neurocognitive diseases. That might be surprising to many of us, but it’s becoming clearer as the science evolves.
A Harvard Magazine piece by Jonathan Shaw this past February cites an event at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where scientist Francesca Dominici, along with others, discussed the impact of PM2.5 on human health.
What is PM2.5?
PM2.5 is a scientific term for small particles (measuring 2.5 microns in diameter) that can be hazardous for our health.
What we are finding, Dominici said, is that long-term exposure to this sort of fine particulate matter increases the incidence of hospitalization for Alzheimer’s disease.
She noted that it also affects prognosis and mortality. Elsewhere, researchers also found specific consequences for students, teachers and office workers, vis a vis various contaminants in indoor air where people work or study. (Dry erase markers were one example).
Impact on Communities
That’s part of the big picture when it comes to all of the ways that airborne particles are impacting our health. The trend toward acknowledging these items as pathogens, scientists say, is so evident that Spanish language communities are employing various methods of public awareness to let people know that air quality is important.
The standard has been set at 9 microns per meter of air, but there’s no safe level for air pollution - researchers also found that people lower on the socioeconomic scale may be exposed in more dangerous ways.
One example given is the mining of cryptocurrency. That’s an energy-intensive process that may involve a lot of emissions.
“(The) buildings that house these energy-intensive operations tend to be located in lower socioeconomic status and underrepresented minority neighborhoods, where there is less knowledge and pressure from citizens and local governments,” writes Shaw, citing the input of the expert panel.
Now, you might think that the science around air pollution and Alzheimer’s represents a simple cause-and-effect theory.
The Direct Cause
But scientists explain that there’s more to it than that – they’ve found, they explain, that in addition to PM2.5 moving in air into the lungs and bloodstream, some of it goes directly to the brain through the sinuses, and we have a more direct impact on cardiovascular systems there.
All of that provides additional evidence on the effect of poor air quality on human health.
One way that we can respond is with activities that hold polluters accountable, and embracing higher standards for outdoor air in our communities.
You can also use masks to filter contaminants out of the air that you breathe.
Inside your home, you also have the option to add air monitors and air purifier machines. Check out various models with modern HEPA filtration and activated carbon that can scrub a lot of these unwanted items from your indoor air. US Air Purifiers LLC can help you to get the right purchase, with warranty info and more, to be confident about what you’re using to make your home’s air safer.