The Unusual Link Between Depression and Indoor Air Quality

I’m sure you’ve heard all about outdoor air pollution and how it can negatively affect your health, but did you know that the air you breathe inside your home can have similar effects? In fact, it can be even more toxic than stepping foot outside.?

And recent research is finding that polluted indoor air may have a particularly powerful impact on your brain – and could, at least in part, contribute to many of the symptoms seen in depression.

Today we’re going to explore exactly what indoor air pollution is, where all of these pollutants are coming from, how they can wreak havoc on your brain, and most importantly – what you can do to protect yourself. Let’s dive in.

So, What Is Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution is exactly what it sounds like – when the air quality inside a building is poor. It can be your workplace, your home, or anywhere with four walls and a ceiling. Low air quality can occur as a result of chemicals or materials being present in the environment. You see, because indoor spaces are sealed up tightly, any airborne pollutants can quickly accumulate inside.?

In fact, studies show that it can be up to ten times worse than the quality of polluted outdoor air.1 And to make matters worse, did you know that you spend about 90% of your time indoors?2?

If you really think about it – just by working indoors all day and then sleeping in your home at night, you’re spending most of your life inside. This can add up to a whole lot of polluted air making its way into your body. But where exactly are all of these pollutants coming from in the first place?

How Does Air Become Polluted? The Indoor Air Pollutants You May Be Coming In Contact With

Indoor air pollution can come from all kinds of places. Just a handful of things that contribute to your indoor air quality levels are:3,4,5,6

• Outdoor pollutants: Outdoor air is filled with pollutants – like vehicle emissions, off-gassing from factories, and wildfire smoke to name a few – which are carried into buildings via ventilation systems.?
• Indoor activities: Things like tobacco smoke, cleaning supplies, and personal care products can be full of toxins.
• Radon: A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from the ground, especially in certain geological regions.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): These are emitted from household products such as paints, cleaning supplies, and solvents. Examples include formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene.
• Mold and mildew: The presence of mold and mildew can release spores and mycotoxins into the air. Click here to learn more about the effects of toxic mold exposure .
• Carbon monoxide and other combustion byproducts: Appliances that burn fossil fuels, such as gas stoves, fireplaces, and heaters, can produce carbon monoxide and other pollutants. If your garage is attached to your home then carbon monoxide gas emitted from your vehicles is even more likely to make its way indoors and pollute the air you breathe.
• Dust and particulate matter: Fine particles from sources like pet dander, pollen, and dust mites can contribute to indoor air pollution.
• Asbestos: Common in older buildings, asbestos fibers can be released into the air when disturbed, posing a serious health risk.
• Pesticides: Residual pesticides from treated surfaces or direct use can release harmful chemicals into the indoor air.
• Lead and other heavy metals: Lead-based paint, common in older homes, can deteriorate and release lead dust into the air. Heavy metals are alco commonly found in the dust that settles onto the surfaces in your home.
• Household cleaning products: Many cleaning products contain chemicals that can contribute to indoor air pollution, such as ammonia and chlorine. Click here to learn more about toxins that might be lurking in your cleaning products .
• Building equipment: Computers, printers, and other forms of technology can emit toxins into your environment. Your furniture can do this too!?

The scariest part about these toxins is that most of the time, you have no idea they’re in the air you’re breathing in. So how do you know if you’re being impacted by polluted indoor air? And what kind of symptoms can these airborne toxins cause?

What Are the Symptoms of Being Exposed to Polluted Indoor Air?

The short-term effects of being exposed to indoor pollutants can include things like:7

• Irritated eyes, nose, and throat
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue?
• Worsened symptoms of asthma

If you’re exposed to poor indoor air quality for long periods (usually years), then you are at risk of experiencing more serious illnesses. Some of the potential long-term effects of being exposed to indoor pollutants include:7

• Respiratory diseases
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Chronic inflammation?

But one facet of your well-being that can be particularly impacted by poor indoor air quality is your mental health. Let’s zoom in on how this influx of toxins can affect your brain.

How Indoor Air Pollutants Impact Your Brain Function

Did you know that exposure to indoor air pollutants can affect how well your brain functions over time? These toxins can impact your brain via a process that goes something like this:8,9,10,11,12,13

• Blood-brain barrier disruption: Certain airborne toxins can cross your blood-brain barrier – which is there to protect the brain tissue from coming into contact with the harmful chemicals we’re exposed to.??
• Inflammation and oxidative stress: When these toxins enter your brain, they trigger your immune response – causing your body to ramp up inflammation. Over time, if this inflammation remains activated, it can lead to what’s known as oxidative stress – or damage to the components of your brain cells.
• Damage to olfactory neurons: Olfactory neurons are specialized nerve cells responsible for the sense of smell. Air pollution can cause damage to olfactory neurons which can have a domino effect and impact the neural circuits associated with mood regulation and brain function.
• Neurotransmitter disruption: Airborne pollutants can interfere with neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which play crucial roles in mood regulation.
• Mitochondrial dysfunction: Exposure to indoor air pollutants may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, affecting the energy production within cells. Mitochondria play a vital role in neuronal function, and their impairment can result in decreased energy availability for the brain – potentially contributing to depressive symptoms. To learn more about just how important mitochondrial function is, be sure to check out the following resources:My Resiliency Radio Episode with Dr. Scott Sherr where we chat about How Methylene Blue Restores Your Mitochondria My blog post What Is Methylene Blue? A Look at Its Remarkable Health-Boosting Benefits | Dr. Jill Carnahan, MD
• Epigenetic changes: Indoor air pollutants can induce epigenetic changes, altering the expression of genes involved in mood regulation. To learn more about the power of epigenetics, head over and watch my interview with Dr. Kara Fitzgerald on Aging in Reverse .
• Hormonal imbalance: Indoor pollutants, especially endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can interfere with the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances that can ultimately impact brain function and mood regulation.
• Impaired neuroplasticity: Chronic exposure to indoor pollutants may hinder neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt) which can contribute to depressive symptoms. To learn more about neuroplasticity and how you can tap into this phenomenon to create a healthier, happier life, check out the following resources:What Is Neuroplasticity? And Can It Really Help You Create A Healthier, Happier Life? Dr. Jill and Dr. Patrick Porter discus Brain Training with Brain Tap What Is a “Flow State”? And Can It Really Boost Your Health and Happiness?
• Disruption of the gut-brain axis: When you’re stressed out or anxious, do you feel it in your stomach? That’s because your stomach is commonly known as your “second brain.” When it’s inflamed, it can cause disruptions in your mood and overall well-being. Pollutants entering your stomach and digestive system can interfere with this enteric nervous system and disrupt this communication channel known as your gut-brain axis. To learn more about how a disruption in your gut-brain axis can impact your mental health, head over and read my article The Fascinating Link Between Mood Disorders and the Gut Microbiome .

Many aren’t aware of the link between poor air quality and mental health, but studies show that being exposed to high levels of air pollution over time can increase your risk of depression and anxiety.? So what on earth can you do about all this polluted indoor air and ensure you’re breathing clean, toxin-free air?

Want To Ensure You’re Breathing Clean Air?

The great news is that there are solutions to improving the air you’re breathing in at home, in the workplace, or anywhere you spend most of your time indoors. Using an air purifier significantly reduces the toxin levels in the air and is a great way to take preventative measures before it starts impacting your health.

Air purifiers are a great way to stay healthy for everyone, but I especially recommend them if you deal with any type of health issue such as allergies, inflammatory response syndrome, or asthma. I have seen firsthand what it has done for my patients and my hope is that this knowledge can help you, too.

You may be thinking that it’s a hefty price tag, but I promise it’s worth knowing that the air you’re breathing is toxin-free. When you invest in an air purifier, what you’re really investing in is your health – and according to studies, even your happiness.?

How Do You Choose the Right Air Purifier?

I always recommend a couple of different options for my patients, so they can decide what they think is best for them. Here are my two favorite options when it comes to air purification systems:

Air Doctor

The Air Doctor purifier uses a three-stage filtration system to keep your air clean.?

• Pre-Filter: Captures bigger particles such as dust and animal hair
• VOC Filter: Removes odors caused by cooking, smoking, and pets as well as toxins like formaldehyde?
• Ultrahepa Filter: Removes 99.99% of airborne particles including particles as small as .003 microns

Click here to check out Air Doctor’s lineup of top-notch air purification systems .

Austin Air

The Austin Air purifier is what I personally use in my home and office. It is very popular among schools, businesses, and homes in more than 100 countries. It removes 99% of airborne particles as small as .001 microns. I especially recommend this one if you deal with allergies, chronic illnesses, or have been exposed to mold.?

Click here to learn more about Austin Air and be sure to give us a call at 303-993-7910 to access our exclusive discount on these quality air filtration systems.

IQ Air Atem Car

If we aren’t at work or in our homes, there’s a good chance we’re spending time in our vehicles driving. And just like other indoor spaces, the air trapped inside your car can be chock-full of polluted, toxin-filled air. That’s why I love the IQ Air Atem Car air purifier .

This small but mighty air filtration system has been tested and certified to capture a wide range of in-cabin air pollutants that might be floating around in your vehicle. If you spend any amount of time commuting, this sleek, portable, and powerful filter is a must. Click here to learn more about the IQ Air Atem Car and order one for your vehicle today.

Because an air purification system requires a bit of a financial investment, you’re probably curious if there’s a way to tell just how well these filters are working.

How Can You Track Your Air Quality?

The Atmotube Pro is perfect for tracking your air quality. It’s a wearable and portable air quality monitor that helps you identify short-term and long-term exposure to toxins with a viewable data chart on your phone. No matter where you are, it immediately informs you about the air quality you’re in. I can’t recommend this enough, especially if you want to determine whether you need an air purifier in your indoor space.?

Click here to learn more about Atmotube Pro’s real-time air quality monitor .

Ready To Optimize Your Indoor Air?

Dealing with indoor air pollution and its effects on your health can be tricky, but as a medical professional – I urge you to look into your indoor space’s air quality to ensure optimum health. While it can seem trivial or insignificant to focus on little shifts like cleaning up your indoor air, it’s these tiny tweaks that all add up in a big way when it comes to protecting, preserving, and up-leveling your well-being.?

Creating a lifestyle that supports healing, health, and happiness is foundational to creating the vibrant, fulfilling life we all deserve. So if you’re ready to invest in yourself and become the very best version of you, I’ve got you covered. The first step is to download my free Resource Roadmap .

This Roadmap will help connect you to the resources, products, and information you need to shortcut your path to your goals – whether that’s to heal an ongoing diagnosis, pinpoint the cause of persistent symptoms, take your health up a notch, or simply find some hope and inspiration. Click here to get instant access to your free Resource Roadmap today !

Resources:

1. Indoor Air Pollution in India: Implications on Health and its Control – PMC .
2. Indoor Air Pollution and Decision-Making Behavior: An Interdisciplinary Review – PMC
3. Indoor Air Pollution, Related Human Diseases, and Recent Trends in the Control and Improvement of Indoor Air Quality – PMC ?
4. Introduction to Indoor Air Quality | US EPA
5. Taking an Exposure History: What Are Possible Sources of Indoor Air Pollution | Environmental Medicine | ATSDR ( cdc.gov )
6. Indoor Air Pollution, Related Human Diseases, and Recent Trends in the Control and Improvement of Indoor Air Quality – PMC ( nih.gov )
7. Introduction to Indoor Air Quality | US EPA
8. Air quality, cognition, and mental health: How air pollution impacts the brain
9. Association of Ambient Air Pollution with Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Older Adults: Results from the NSHAP Study ?
10. The Adverse Effects of Air Pollution on the Nervous System – PMC ( nih.gov )
11. Growing Evidence for the Impact of Air Pollution on Depression – PMC ( nih.gov )
12. Indoor particulate matter induces epigenetic changes in companion atopic dogs – PubMed ( nih.gov )
13. Air particulate pollution exposure associated with impaired cognition via microbiota gut-brain axis: an evidence from rural elderly female in northwest China – PubMed ( nih.gov )

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The product mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. ? The information in this article is not intended to replace any recommendations or relationship with your physician. ?Please review references sited at end of article for scientific support of any claims made.