Abstract
Abstract
Background
Poor air quality is associated with poor health. Little attention is given to the complex array of environmental exposures and air pollutants that affect mental health during the life course.
Aims
We gather interdisciplinary expertise and knowledge across the air pollution and mental health fields. We seek to propose future research priorities and how to address them.
Method
Through a rapid narrative review, we summarise the key scientific findings, knowledge gaps and methodological challenges.
Results
There is emerging evidence of associations between poor air quality, both indoors and outdoors, and poor mental health more generally, as well as specific mental disorders. Furthermore, pre-existing long-term conditions appear to deteriorate, requiring more healthcare. Evidence of critical periods for exposure among children and adolescents highlights the need for more longitudinal data as the basis of early preventive actions and policies. Particulate matter, including bioaerosols, are implicated, but form part of a complex exposome influenced by geography, deprivation, socioeconomic conditions and biological and individual vulnerabilities. Critical knowledge gaps need to be addressed to design interventions for mitigation and prevention, reflecting ever-changing sources of air pollution. The evidence base can inform and motivate multi-sector and interdisciplinary efforts of researchers, practitioners, policy makers, industry, community groups and campaigners to take informed action.
Conclusions
There are knowledge gaps and a need for more research, for example, around bioaerosols exposure, indoor and outdoor pollution, urban design and impact on mental health over the life course.
Background
Poor air quality is associated with poor health. Little attention is given to the complex array of environmental exposures and air pollutants that affect mental health during the life course.
Aims
We gather interdisciplinary expertise and knowledge across the air pollution and mental health fields. We seek to propose future research priorities and how to address them.
Method
Through a rapid narrative review, we summarise the key scientific findings, knowledge gaps and methodological challenges.
Results
There is emerging evidence of associations between poor air quality, both indoors and outdoors, and poor mental health more generally, as well as specific mental disorders. Furthermore, pre-existing long-term conditions appear to deteriorate, requiring more healthcare. Evidence of critical periods for exposure among children and adolescents highlights the need for more longitudinal data as the basis of early preventive actions and policies. Particulate matter, including bioaerosols, are implicated, but form part of a complex exposome influenced by geography, deprivation, socioeconomic conditions and biological and individual vulnerabilities. Critical knowledge gaps need to be addressed to design interventions for mitigation and prevention, reflecting ever-changing sources of air pollution. The evidence base can inform and motivate multi-sector and interdisciplinary efforts of researchers, practitioners, policy makers, industry, community groups and campaigners to take informed action.
Conclusions
There are knowledge gaps and a need for more research, for example, around bioaerosols exposure, indoor and outdoor pollution, urban design and impact on mental health over the life course.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | e120 |
| Journal | BJPsych Open |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 5 Jul 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The development of this paper was supported via activities funded by UK Research and Innovations, through the following grants: BioAirNet (NE/V002171/1), COVAIR (EP/V052462/1), COTRACE (EP/W001411/1) and INHALE (EP/T003189/1) projects. J.B.N. is supported by a Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Wellcome Trust (grant number 218632/Z/19/Z). R.M.L. and H.L.F. are supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Centre for Society and Mental Health at King's College London (grant number ES/S012567/1). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the ESRC or King's College London.
Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
