“Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter, such as components of PM 2.5 in polluted air, can not only cause respiratory diseases but also increase the risk of depression in the elderly,” a recent study confirmed.
Depression represents a devastating loss of life globally compared to any other mental health condition, depriving individuals of the ability to perform the simplest daily tasks.
In 2021, an analysis of global health data showed that depression caused approximately 56.3 million years of life lived with disability or impaired quality of life.
Polluted air contributes to the spread of depression.
In this context, a recent study was based on data collected from approximately 23.7 million beneficiaries of the government healthcare program (Medicare) in the United States, aged 65 and over, during the period from 2000 to 2018. The study aimed to examine the effect of specific components of PM2.5 particle exposure, either individually or in combination, on the likelihood of developing depression.
During the follow-up period, it was found that more than 5.5 million people among the participants developed depression.
An in-depth analysis of the data revealed that people living in areas with higher levels of air pollution with fine particulate matter were more likely to develop depression.
It was also found that there is a stronger association between depression and a specific mixture of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) components compared to overall pollution levels alone. With each quartile increase in exposure to this mixture, the risk of depression increases by nearly 7%.
Fine particles increase the risks.
Air pollution is not caused by one type of pollutant, but rather a mixture of invisible gases and fine particles emitted from human activities.
Fine particles PM 2.5 – which are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter – are considered the most dangerous when inhaled. These particles are characterized by their extremely small size, which enables them to penetrate the bloodstream and lungs, and even cross the blood-brain barrier.
In addition, these particles can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which poses a greater risk for people who already suffer from comorbidities.
The danger of fine particles (PM2.5).
A growing body of research confirms that air pollution may play a role in the development of depression.
Many studies have linked exposure to polluted air to an increased risk of developing this disease, with particular emphasis on fine particles (PM2.5) as a major concern.
However, insufficient information was available about the specific components that increase the likelihood of developing depression.
To find an answer, the researchers analyzed data from the government healthcare program (Medicare) for the elderly across the United States. The team estimated each participant’s annual exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other air pollution components based on their place of residence, then identified new cases of depression. Subsequently, the data was analyzed using various statistical tools to detect links between air pollution and depression.
The researchers found that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), especially its components of sulfates, elemental carbon, and soil dust, is associated with an increased risk of depression.
The results also indicated that this relationship was more pronounced among older adults with metabolic, cardiovascular, or brain-related diseases.
