Spikes in air pollution may increase suicide risk

A study combining air quality data and suicide reports from across China confirms earlier observations that heavy air pollution from traffic, factories, coal-fired power plants, and home heating can increase the risk of suicide. The study, published today, suggests a Chinese battle plan to clear the air, launched a decade ago, helped prevent some 45,970 suicides from 2013 to 2017. “It’s a well-done study,” says Roger McIntyre, a psychiatrist at the University of Toronto. It’s also the first investigation he knows of that links lower suicide rates to improved air quality. Researchers have long known that air pollution can harm physical health. Respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer resulting from polluted air lead to an estimated 7 million premature deaths each year, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. A growing body of evidence has shown a toll on mental health as well. Small-scale neurobiological and environmental studies have suggested spikes in the concentration of particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in width, known as PM2.5, quickly alter brain chemistry and can cause aggression, a loss of emotional control, and an inability to cope with crises. Air pollution has also been associated with depression, anxiety, psychosis, and neurocognitive disorders such as dementia. The studies suggest heavily polluted air can lead to an elevated suicide risk within 7 days. China’s suicide rate has declined sh...
Source: ScienceNOW - Category: Science Source Type: news