Children exposed to air pollution from birth to age three show weakened brain network connections linked to emotional regulation, attention, and higher-level thinking, a large European study finds.
Pamela Ferdinand reports for U.S. Right to Know.
In short:
- Researchers scanned over 3,600 Dutch children at ages 10 and 14 to examine how early exposure to air pollution affected resting brain activity and network development.
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) disrupted connections between the amygdala and areas tied to attention and sensory processing, while PM10 exposure changed networks involved in decision-making.
- A related study found that while early pollution exposure reduced brain volume in key areas like the hippocampus, some parts of the brain showed signs of later recovery, suggesting mixed long-term effects.
Key quote:
“These associations persist throughout adolescence, which may indicate persistent disruptions in the normal development of brain networks due to pollution exposure.”
— Mònica Guxens, ICREA research professor at ISGlobal
Why this matters:
Microscopic PM2.5 particles, often emitted by cars, power plants, and industrial activity, are small enough to pass through the lungs and enter the bloodstream. From there, they can cross the blood-brain barrier, ferrying harmful toxins directly into brain tissue. Scientists are now observing how PM2.5 exposures interfere with critical phases of brain development, including the formation of neural circuits tied to emotional regulation, memory, attention, and executive function. Especially troubling is that these impacts appear to occur even at pollution levels previously considered “safe.” While some neurodevelopmental effects may fade with time and support, other alterations — such as disrupted brain connectivity — may persist, leaving a neurological fingerprint that can affect long-term health and behavior.
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