Playground Under Siege: Unveiling Air Pollution's Menacing Hold on Children's Developing Minds

Daily exposure to air pollution is attacking our children’s brains. All around the world, the rate at which humans are degrading the planet is atrocious. With this rate, soon we might land in a situation where we will no longer have a solution to sustain the planet.??

Air pollution is not a far fetched concept that a normal human being cannot relate to. We not only relate with it but also suffer due to daily exposure. We’re inclined towards better schooling, education and gadgets to promote cognitive development of the new generation but we seem to be tone deaf towards how environmental degradation leads to the decline in their mental development.??

How does air pollution lead to degradation of Children’s brains?

• Cognitive Decline and Memory Impairment:

Studies have indicated that exposure to fine particle pollution is associated with declines in memory and cognitive abilities. Children living in highly polluted areas have been found to have an increased risk of dementia. Furthermore, research conducted in Mexico City revealed the presence of Alzheimer's disease-related brain changes in children living in a polluted environment.

• Structural Changes in the Brain:

Air pollution has been linked to structural changes in the brain. For instance, children living close to major highways have shown reduced cortical thickness and decreased gray matter volume. These alterations in brain structure may impact cognitive functions and increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

• Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress:

Exposure to air pollution can trigger inflammation in the brain, which is the body's natural response to combat harmful contaminants. However, excessive inflammation can lead to brain-related impairments and diseases. Additionally, air pollution can induce oxidative stress, causing damage to brain cells and impairing their function.

• Accumulation of Harmful Substances:

Air pollution contains a mixture of pollutants, including industrial emissions, heavy metals, pesticides, and particulate matter. Some of these substances, such as magnetite particles and amyloid plaques, have been found to accumulate in the brains of individuals exposed to air pollution. The presence of these harmful substances can contribute to neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive decline.

• Impact on Neurodevelopmental Disorders:

Research suggests that air pollution may contribute to the development of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders. Prenatal exposure to air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of these disorders, highlighting the critical importance of minimizing exposure during early life stages.

Yes, that’s right — millions of children around the world currently breathe air that may put them at risk of premature cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The good news is that we can still take action and bring about a change.?

Do you wish to take action??

Yes is the only option we have!

Reference:

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/10/air-pollution-global-megacities-cognitive-decline-alzheimers-death