Leading scientists say that while poor air quality is a risk factor for mental illness, progress in understanding the causes and impact has been too slow.
In a paper published by the British Journal of Psychiatry Open, researchers led by Professor Kamaldeep Bhui, Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) lead at Oxford Health BRC and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford, are calling for urgent global action to better understand the links between air pollution and mental health.
With climate change affecting air pollution, researchers are encouraging collaboration across different disciplines, both regionally and globally, to speed up research and discover effective interventions.
Professor of Psychiatry at Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry, Kamaldeep Bhui said:
“Existing evidence suggests that mental illness is more prevalent in deprived and urban areas where the influence of higher levels of air pollution may have been overlooked.
“We know air pollution, poor housing, social determinants of illness, and noise pollution, all impact more on the most marginalised populations in whom the rates of mental illness and long-term conditions are highest, adding to premature mortality.
“If we can better measure the effects, and understand the mechanisms, we can put in place more effective prevention strategies in the population, as well as provide better care for those with pre-existing conditions.”
Read more on the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry news pages.
