Air pollution impairs cognitive function and makes everyday tasks harder

A new study reveals that even short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution can hinder people’s ability to focus and perform everyday tasks, such as a routine trip to the supermarket.

Researchers found that brief exposure to high levels of air pollution can reduce a person’s ability to stay focused, avoid distractions, and recognise emotions. This can make simple activities more challenging, potentially affecting decision-making and social interactions.

In the study, participants were exposed to either high levels of air pollution (from candle smoke) or clean air. Cognitive abilities were tested before and four hours after exposure, assessing working memory, selective attention, emotion recognition, psychomotor speed, and sustained attention.

The findings, published in Nature Communications on February 6, reveal that air pollution negatively impacted participants' selective attention and emotion recognition, regardless of whether they breathed normally or only through their mouths. However, working memory remained unaffected, suggesting some brain functions are more resistant to short-term pollution exposure.

Dr. Thomas Faherty from the University of Birmingham, co-author of the study, said, “Our research provides strong evidence that even brief exposure to particulate matter can have immediate, negative effects on cognitive functions that are vital for everyday activities, like navigating the weekly supermarket shop.”

Professor Francis Pope, also from the University of Birmingham, added, “Poor air quality affects intellectual development and worker productivity, which has significant societal and economic consequences. In a world that relies on cognitive skills, reduced productivity can hinder economic growth, underscoring the need for stricter air quality regulations to protect brain health, particularly in urban areas with high pollution.”

Cognitive functions play a crucial role in daily tasks. Selective attention, for instance, helps with decision-making, like prioritising items on a shopping list and avoiding impulse buys. Working memory allows us to hold and manipulate information, which is necessary for multitasking. Meanwhile, socio-emotional cognition helps us interpret and respond to emotions, guiding socially acceptable behaviour in both personal and professional settings.

This study highlights the importance of further research into how air pollution affects cognitive functions, especially its long-term impacts on vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

Professor Gordon McFiggans from the University of Manchester, another co-author, said, “This study underscores the need to better understand how air pollution affects cognitive health, particularly for older individuals who may be more vulnerable.”

The study is the first to explore how different pathways of inhaling particulate matter impact cognitive function, offering valuable insights into potential risks and the need for protective measures.

Air pollution is the leading environmental risk factor for human health worldwide, linked to numerous health problems, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.

PM2.5, the smallest particulate matter, is the primary pollutant responsible for these health effects, with 4.2 million deaths globally attributed to these particles in 2015. The World Health Organisation recommends that air pollution levels should stay below 15 μg/m3 for 24-hour exposure and 5 μg/m3 annually to minimise health risks.