Aerosol components of PM2.5 linked with Anxiety, depression

New Delhi: Exposure to PM2.5 pollution can increase chances of depression and anxiety, with aerosol constituents of the pollutant particles more strongly linked with the mental health effects compared to other constituents, according to a study.

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, also found that the cumulative effect due to PM2.5 constituents exceeded that due to total mass of PM2.5 particles.

Findings published in the journal iScience indicate that relying solely on weight of PM2.5 particles can undermine mental health effects, the team said. The study supports emission controls targeted at sectors producing the most toxic species which may result in greater health benefits, they said.

The researchers said exposure to PM2.5 is known to influence mental disorders, but the varying effects due to chemical components remain poorly understood, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

They looked at links between PM2.5 components and depression and anxiety among 34,802 adults from the National Mental Health Survey (2015-2016).