By Admin 
Long Term Exposure To PM2.5 And Mental Health: The central government’s budget may have emphasized on strengthening the mental health infrastructure, but a new national study has presented a worrying picture. According to research, prolonged exposure to extremely fine particles (PM2.5) present in polluted air increases the risk of depression and anxiety. It is clear that environmental risks are deepening the mental problem in India.
This study has been done by researchers from IIT Delhi in collaboration with AIIMS New Delhi, NIMHANS and St. John’s Medical College, which has been published in the international journal iScience. In the research, data of 34,802 adults from 12 states of the country, including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Assam, was analyzed.
What came out in the research?
Research found that those exposed to PM2.5 for a long time had an 8 percent higher risk of depression and about 2 percent higher risk of anxiety. This analysis is based on clinically diagnosed cases from the National Mental Health Survey 2015 to 16. Since this is a cross-sectional study, it does not show causation but a mutual relationship.
What do experts say?
According to Dr. Anand Krishna, author of the study associated with the Community Medicine Department of AIIMS, it is important to understand this difference. However, he also said that when large populations are exposed to polluted air, even such “seemingly small” relationships have serious implications. According to the report, its impact was most seen among people living in urban metros, people in the age group of 40 to 49 years and low income groups. Differences also emerged at the regional level. Depression related to pollution was more pronounced in eastern India, while cases of anxiety were found to be more associated in western India.
What things were investigated?
The study was not limited only to the total level of PM2.5, but its different chemical elements present in the air were also examined. It was revealed that elements like sulphate, nitrate and ammonium released from traffic, industry and agricultural activities have a deep connection with depression. Whereas elemental carbon, which is considered an indicator of diesel and fossil fuel combustion, was found to have the strongest relationship with anxiety.
Researchers say that identifying these components of pollution helps in deciding which emission sources should be taken action on priority. At a time when the air quality is continuously deteriorating in many parts of the country, the study also included participants from Gujarat, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the analysis.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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