A recent study published in BMJ Open has found that prolonged exposure to air pollution significantly raises hospital admissions for various health conditions, including mental illnesses. The research, conducted by the University of St Andrews, UK, highlights the health risks associated with nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5).
The study revealed that each one-micron per cubic metre increase in PM2.5 and NO2 levels was linked to a 4% and 1% rise, respectively, in hospitalisations for respiratory conditions. Additionally, higher exposure to NO2 was associated with increased admissions for mental and behavioural disorders.
Despite average annual levels of NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 being below the 2005 World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the study noted that NO2 and PM2.5 levels exceeded the stricter 2021 WHO recommendations.
The research tracked 202,237 individuals, representing 5% of Scotland’s population aged 17 and above, from 2002 to 2017 using data from Public Health Scotland. Unlike earlier studies that primarily focused on mortality rates, this investigation examined hospital admissions, offering new insights into the health impacts of air pollution.
“Air pollution was associated with higher rates of hospital admissions for both physical (e.g., respiratory, cardiovascular, and infectious) and mental/behavioural diseases,” the authors noted.
As reported by economictimes, the findings underscore the need for stricter air quality standards and proactive measures to mitigate the health risks posed by long-term exposure to air pollution.