Can air pollution affect our mental health? | The Daily Star
Skip to main content
E-paper বাংলা
T
Latest
Hathurusingha appointed as Bangladesh coach for second spell 15th amendment stopped illegal grabbing of power: PM Dhaka stocks keep falling Around 60% brick kilns operating illegally: environment minister Fire breaks out at factory in Mongla EPZ Dollar crisis puts textile millers in a tight spot No alternative to adjusting fuel prices every month: Nasrul Hamid Comilla Victorians vs Khulna Tigers: Who will win? What's your prediction? HC orders Viqarunnisa authorities to admit 41 students to class 1 'The greatest joy of my entire career' Mithun finds his touch as Dhaka down Barishal  Boi Mela: No specific security threats, says DMP commissioner MRT-1 to be built without damaging Purbachal Expressway: MAN Siddique Awami League wants us to love DSA. It’s too late now Metro rail transported 3.35 lakh commuters since opening
The Daily Star
Journalism Without Fear or Favour
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
  • E-paper
  • বাংলা
Latest
Hathurusingha appointed as Bangladesh coach for second spell 15th amendment stopped illegal grabbing of power: PM Dhaka stocks keep falling Around 60% brick kilns operating illegally: environment minister Fire breaks out at factory in Mongla EPZ Dollar crisis puts textile millers in a tight spot No alternative to adjusting fuel prices every month: Nasrul Hamid Comilla Victorians vs Khulna Tigers: Who will win? What's your prediction? HC orders Viqarunnisa authorities to admit 41 students to class 1 'The greatest joy of my entire career' Mithun finds his touch as Dhaka down Barishal  Boi Mela: No specific security threats, says DMP commissioner MRT-1 to be built without damaging Purbachal Expressway: MAN Siddique Awami League wants us to love DSA. It’s too late now Metro rail transported 3.35 lakh commuters since opening
The Daily Star
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 | Journalism Without Fear or Favour
  • Home
  • News
    • Bangladesh
    • Asia
    • World
  • Opinion
    • Views
    • Editorial
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Health
    • Diseases
    • Healthcare
    • Food
  • Sports
    • Cricket
    • Football
    • More Sports
  • Business
    • Economy
    • Global Economy
    • Organisation News
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Film
    • Music
    • Theatre & Arts
  • Culture
    • Art & Design
    • Books
  • Life & Living
    • Fashion & Beauty
    • Food & Recipes
    • Health & Fitness
  • Youth
    • Education
    • Careers
    • Young Icons
  • Tech & Startup
    • Science, Gadgets, and Tech
    • Startups
    • Automobiles
  • Feature
    • Lifestyle
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Showbiz
    • Star Health
    • Satireday
    • Shout
    • Toggle
    • Star Literature
    • In Focus
    • Star Youth
    • Law & Our Rights
    • Daily Star Books
    • Roundtables
    • Supplements
  • Environment
    • Climate crisis
    • Natural resources
    • Pollution
  • NRB
বাংলা T
  • Home
  • News
    • Bangladesh
    • Asia
    • World
  • Opinion
    • Views
    • Editorial
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Health
    • Diseases
    • Healthcare
    • Food
  • Sports
    • Cricket
    • Football
    • More Sports
  • Business
    • Economy
    • Global Economy
    • Organisation News
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Film
    • Music
    • Theatre & Arts
  • Culture
    • Art & Design
    • Books
  • Life & Living
    • Fashion & Beauty
    • Food & Recipes
    • Health & Fitness
  • Youth
    • Education
    • Careers
    • Young Icons
  • Tech & Startup
    • Science, Gadgets, and Tech
    • Startups
    • Automobiles
  • Feature
    • Lifestyle
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Showbiz
    • Star Health
    • Satireday
    • Shout
    • Toggle
    • Star Literature
    • In Focus
    • Star Youth
    • Law & Our Rights
    • Daily Star Books
    • Roundtables
    • Supplements
  • Environment
    • Climate crisis
    • Natural resources
    • Pollution
  • NRB

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Apps
  • Comment Policy
  • RSS
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Conference Hall
  • Archives
Views

Can air pollution affect our mental health?

T Mahmud 
Mon Jan 23, 2023 12:53 PM Last update on: Mon Jan 23, 2023 04:04 PM
air pollution
FILE PHOTO: RASHED SHUMON

It is common knowledge that mental health issues can be products of a number of complex and often interconnected issues, ranging from traumatic events, intrusive thoughts, abusive environments, unhealthy relationships, and even spending too much time on social media. A lot of people, however, aren't aware of the fact that air quality can also affect our mental wellbeing.

Studies have confirmed that air pollution can lead to cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurovascular diseases. Examples include lung cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia. When it comes to mental illnesses, however, recent research has shown that air pollution and depression share a strong link. Air pollutants (specifically, particular matter) are said to increase oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain which can further lead to depression. Additionally, a cross-sectional study in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health has revealed that for each 10 µg/m3  increase in the nitric oxide level, the rate of depression would be twice as high. Multiple studies have also found that women who become exposed to particulate matter during pregnancy (or even after they give birth) are at a higher risk of becoming depressed. Additionally, research has also linked prenatal exposure to particulate matter (including traffic-related air pollution) with increased anxiety in children of 6 to 7 years.

For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

Air Pollution is an existential threat for Dhaka

Air pollution is an existential threat for us. We must act.

Read more

Although limited studies have explored the connection between anxiety and air pollution, the results show that both short- and long-term exposure to particulate matter can result in symptoms of anxiety. One study in the journal Toxicological Sciences found that air pollution contributes to heightened stress cortisol levels, which leads to anxiety. Another study found that people who were exposed to air pollution caused by traffic during early childhood are at a greater risk of developing anxiety later on.

Suicide ideation and deaths by suicide were also found to be associated with air pollution. In a case-crossover analysis from 2018 that investigated the link between suicide and air pollutants in 10 large cities in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, researchers found that higher levels of nitrogen oxide, sulfide dioxide, and particulate matters were associated with higher risks of suicide. A US study of 1,546 completed suicides in Salt Lake County, Utah also found that single-day and cumulative exposure to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was associated with an increased risk of suicide.

It must be noted, however, that suicide is very complicated. Several factors (such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and mental health conditions) typically have to play a role before an individual falls victim to suicide. Environmental factors alone don't cause people to contemplate suicide or go through with it.

Aren’t we all entitled to cleaner air?

Read more

Nevertheless, the immediate attention of the Bangladeshi government should be drawn to the seriousness of this matter because Bangladesh has been ranked first for having the worst air quality multiple times. A 2013 study titled "Air pollution by Fine Particulate Matter in Bangladesh," published in Atmospheric Pollution Research, supports this claim as it was revealed that high concentrations of particulate matter were found in Dhaka. Hence, it is very possible that, along with other factors, such high levels of air pollution may be contributing to worsening the existing mental health conditions of Bangladeshi citizens.

T Mahmud is a Bangladeshi entrepreneur and podcaster who has been active in the mental health and personal development fields.

Related topic
Air Pollution Bangladesh / air pollution and mental health / Dhaka Air Quality / particulate matter 2.5 / Air pollution and anxiety / air pollution and depression / Dhaka air / mental health
Apple Google
Click to comment

Comments

Comments Policy

Related News

Image showing a gap in communication between two men.
2w ago| SHOUT

Men need to treat each other better

air quality index
Air pollution

Dhaka air continues to be “unhealthy”

Dhaka air quality
Air pollution

Dhaka's air quality “unhealthy” despite rain

Dhaka air quality
Air pollution

Dhaka air 3rd most polluted in the world: AQI

Dhaka air quality
Air pollution

Dhaka’s air quality back to “unhealthy”

The Daily Star  | বাংলা
শাহরিয়ার আলম
২ ঘণ্টা আগে|বাংলাদেশ

ভুল তথ্যের ভিত্তিতে যুক্তরাষ্ট্র র‌্যাবের বিরুদ্ধে নিষেধাজ্ঞা দিয়েছিল: পররাষ্ট্র প্রতিমন্ত্রী

ভুল তথ্যের ভিত্তিতে প্ররোচনায় পড়ে র‌্যাবের বিরুদ্ধে যুক্তরাষ্ট্র নিষেধাজ্ঞা দিয়েছিল বলে দাবি করেছেন পররাষ্ট্র প্রতিমন্ত্রী শাহরিয়ার আলম।

২ ঘণ্টা আগে|অর্থনীতি

বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংকের রিজার্ভ বিভাগের ডেপুটি গভর্নরকে দায়িত্ব থেকে অব্যাহতি

The Daily Star
Follow Us
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Apps
  • Comment Policy
  • RSS
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Conference Hall
  • Archives
© 2023 thedailystar.net | Powered by: RSI LAB
Copyright: Any unauthorized use or reproduction of The Daily Star content for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited and constitutes copyright infringement liable to legal action.