Air pollution can influence our bodies in various ways. The respiratory problems are the most symptomatic. However, there are implications that we don’t associate with smog at first glance. How can the nervous system react to the impact of polluting particles?
We all know that breathing polluted air has a negative influence on our lungs. Cough, dryness of the mucous membranes, sore throat, breathing difficulties – all these symptoms can come as a result of exposure to smog. However, due to the small size of the particles, air pollution can impact other systems, too.
Sometimes this influence is unnoticeable for years and manifests in cancer or systemic breakdowns decades later. Air pollution is quite tricky – that’s why it’s better to prevent its impact rather than dealing with consequences. There are various tools that can help you with doing so. One of them is the air pollution map which enables monitoring the real-time data in your area. With the online tool delivered by Airly.org, you can access the most accurate data for free.
Does air pollution influence our nervous system?
Yes – it does. The largest particles (PM10) get filtrated by our lungs, staying on their surface, and, in the worst case, causing some respiratory diseases. Fine particulate matter poses a real danger to our health. These particles, with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or even 1 micrometer, are small enough to penetrate the blood vessels in our lungs. That’s how they get into the bloodstream and reach the organs, including our brain.
 What neurological implications can air pollution cause?
The implications of exposure to smog can vary – from relatively mild to severe ones. What’s important, the air pollution can influence unborn children too – and actually, the influence on the fetus can have serious effects. For instance, many clinical studies find a link between prenatal exposure to smog and autism.
Some researchers point out that long-term exposure can also lead to cognitive decline. The children are the most affected since their neurological system is dynamically developing. Those living in the most polluted areas often have trouble concentrating and experience memory problems.
How else can air pollution influence our nervous system?
#1 Brain fog
This set of neurological symptoms has been lately associated with the post-covid syndrome. However, it can also come as a result of exposure to smog. How does it manifest? If you’re having memory issues, cannot concentrate, feel disorientated and tired, you may be experiencing brain fog.
#2 Mood swing
Mood-related issues can have different backgrounds. In some cases, it’s the result of vitamin D3 deficit. In others, they have a link to hormonal imbalance. However, the smog may be the culprit, too. It increases the risk of depression and can cause irritation.
#3 Dementia
Among seniors, long-term exposure to particulate matter speeds up the ageing processes of the neurological system. As a result, it may trigger dementia and cause depression tendencies.
If you’re searching for reliable data on air pollution in order to adopt appropriate protective measures, check Airly’s air pollution map.
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