Long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with poorer mental health in older adults, according to a study published Monday.
The research was carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Long-term exposure to air pollution has been found to be associated with poorer mental health in older adults.One of the most harmful forms of air pollution is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which in Ireland is mainly produced by the burning of solid fuels (coal, peat and wood) for heating.
The study used data on average annual levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) over a 17-year period (1998-2014) linked to survey data from the Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing (TILDA) to investigate the impact of PM2.5 on mental health.
Key findings
Over the 17-year period from 1998 to 2014, the average annual PM2.5 concentration for TILDA respondents was 7.7μg/m3 (range 5–12), with over half of the sample experiencing concentrations between 5–7μg/m3.
These levels were low by international standards (EU countries such as Poland and Bulgaria had annual average levels above 25 μg/m3 in 2014), but they are above the current World Health Organization (WHO) guideline levels. The WHO air quality guideline level for annual PM2.5 exposure is 5 μg/m3.
Statistical modelling showed that higher annual average PM2.5 levels were associated with greater depression and anxiety.
No evidence was found to suggest an association between long-term PM2.5 air pollution and other indicators of mental health or well-being (stress, worry, overall quality of life).
Exposure time
Different aspects of mental health may be affected by the length of exposure and the specific type of pollutant.
Professor Anne Nolan, one of the study’s authors, said: “The findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that health damage from air pollution can occur even at low levels of exposure. In Ireland, in our recent Clean Air Strategy we have committed to achieving WHO air quality guidelines by 2040. Achieving this target will require significant measures to decarbonise domestic heating, alongside measures to reduce pollution from industry, transport and agriculture.”
Dr. Aimer Cotter, Director of EPA’s Office of Evidence Evaluation, said: “Our health and well-being are intrinsically linked to the quality of our environment. This study provides further evidence that long-term exposure to air pollution, even at low levels, is harmful to our health. The findings support the need for policy action to encourage a transition away from solid fuels to less harmful alternatives for home heating.”
