Air pollution linked to mental health problems in children, new study finds

The study by researchers in the US and Denmark found an increased risk of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and personality disorders, among others

An increasing number of studies have found links between air pollution and conditions ranging from asthma to dementia and various types of cancer

Reading Time:4 minutes

A man and his daughter wear face masks to protest themselves from air pollution in Beijing. Photo: Kyodo

Published: 10:45am, 21 Aug 2019Updated: 12:23pm, 21 Aug 2019

People who spend their childhood in areas with high levels of air pollution may be more likely to later develop mental disorders, new research suggests.

Air pollution has become a matter of growing concern as an increasing number of studies have found links to conditions ranging from asthma to dementia and various types of cancer.

There are also signs it may take a toll on mental health. Research published in January found that children growing up in the more polluted areas of London were more likely to have depression by the age of 18 than those growing up in areas with cleaner air.

But a study by researchers in the United States and Denmark has suggested a link between air pollution and an increased risk of mental health problems, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and personality disorders.

The new study has suggested a link between air pollution and mental health problems. Photo: Shutterstock

Between 1 per cent and 2 per cent of the UK population have bipolar disorder in their lifetime, with similar figures for schizophrenia. It is estimated that about 5 per cent of people in Britain have a personality disorder at any one time.