Latest News Roundup

In May there was more news of studies linked to air pollution and mental health, with one study finding air pollution and depression combined is linked death from heart disease. Also, people who are exposed to air pollution when in the womb are more likely to develop mental health problems when they are teenagers.

Diesel generators are causing 30% more cancer cases annually in Beirut with younger patients and more aggressive tumours.

It's bad news for those living in the West Midlands, UK, since it has been found every resident is living in an area where air quality does not meet WHO guidelines. A study in Denmark, a relatively 'clean' country, has shown that long term exposure to air pollution can raise the risk of dementia.

Wildfires are going to be studied to gain a better understanding of air pollution and climate impacts of fire, while the climate is heating up in China and causing air pollution to spike.

Finally, a new study published in BMJ eGastroenterology found that PM2.5 particles can damage your liver, pancreas and intestines but more research is to be done on how air pollution impacts our organs.

Key takeaway points this month:

• Air pollution and depression linked to three-fold increase in premature cardiovascular mortality (death from heart disease) if you're under 65!
• Research has found that babies in the womb and children in early childhood who are exposed to air pollution are more likely to develop mental health problems as teenagers.
• Diesel generators cause 30% more cancer cases per year in Beirut, Lebanon with younger patients and more aggressive tumours
• Every West Midlands resident lives in an area where air quality doesn't meet WHO health-based guidelines, causing up to 2,300 early deaths per year
• A new study from Denmark shows that long term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of dementia in Denmark.
• Wildfires to be studied for 3-5 years to better understand air pollution and climate impacts of fires
• Heatwaves are causing air pollution in China to SPIKE
• According to a new study published in BMJ eGastroenterology PM2.5 particles can damage your liver, pancreas and intestines.

Read the full articles:

• Cardiovascular mortality: https://www.dicardiology.com/content/air-pollution-and-depression-linked-heart-disease-deaths-middle-aged-adults
• Mental health: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/children-90s-study-finds-air-9311394
• Beirut cancer: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/apr/22/where-can-you-hide-from-pollution-cancer-rises-30-in-beirut-as-diesel-generators-poison-city
• Midlands: https://phys.org/news/2024-05-west-midlands-air-pollution-early.html
• Denmark: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240517/Denmark-study-Air-pollution-tied-to-increased-risk-of-dementia.aspx
• Wildfire study: https://unece.org/media/news/390746
• China heatwaves: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2095927324003529
• Gastro: https://egastroenterology.bmj.com/content/2/2/e100063