Air Pollution Linked to Stress and Depression, Increasing Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
A study conducted in over 3,000 counties in the United States, with a total population of 315 million, has found a correlation between air pollution and stress and depression. This puts individuals under the age of 65 at a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The research was presented at the ESC Preventive Cardiology 2024, a scientific congress organized by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).
“Our study indicates that the air we breathe affects our mental well-being, which in turn impacts heart health.”
– Dr. Shady Abohashem, study lead author from Harvard Medical School, Boston, US
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution was responsible for an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019. Mental illness has also been linked to premature death. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between air pollution, poor mental health, and death from cardiovascular disease.
Examining Fine Particles and Mental Health
The study focused on particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, known as fine particles or PM2.5. These particles originate from sources such as vehicle exhaust fumes, power plant combustion, and burning wood, and pose the highest health risk. The researchers obtained county-level data on annual PM2.5 levels from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The exposure to PM2.5 was categorized as high or low based on WHO standards. Data on the average number of days that county residents experienced mental health issues, including stress, depression, and emotional problems, were also collected from the CDC. Each county was then classified into three groups based on these numbers. Counties in the top third reported the highest number of poor mental health days.
The researchers obtained age-adjusted premature cardiovascular mortality rates per county from the CDC. County characteristics were sourced from the County Health Rankings project.
Study Findings and Implications
The study included 3,047 US counties, representing a total population of 315,720,938 individuals. Between 2013 and 2019, 1,079,656 participants (0.34% of the population) died from cardiovascular disease before the age of 65. The researchers analyzed the associations between pollution, mental health, and premature cardiovascular mortality while accounting for other factors that could influence these relationships.
Counties with high levels of air pollution (high PM2.5 concentrations) were 10% more likely to report a high number of poor mental health days compared to counties with clean air (low PM2.5 concentrations). This risk was even greater in counties with a high prevalence of minority groups or poverty. The link between poor mental health and premature cardiovascular mortality was strongest in counties with higher levels of air pollution (above WHO recommended levels: ≥10 µm²). In these counties, higher levels of poor mental health were associated with a three-fold increase in premature cardiovascular mortality compared to lower levels of poor mental health. Furthermore, one-third of the risk of pollution-related premature cardiovascular deaths was attributed to the increased burden of poor mental health.
Dr. Abohashem emphasized the need for public health strategies to address both air quality and mental well-being in order to preserve cardiovascular health.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions the following indicators:
- PM2.5 levels: The study focused on particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, which are a key indicator of air pollution.
- Mental health issues: The researchers gathered data on the average number of days that county residents experienced mental health issues, including stress, depression, and emotional problems.
- Premature cardiovascular mortality rates: Age-adjusted premature cardiovascular mortality rates per county were obtained from the CDC.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – PM2.5 levels – Premature cardiovascular mortality rates |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – PM2.5 levels |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – PM2.5 levels |
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Fuente: news-medical.net
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