Long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to poorer mental health in older people, according to research published Monday.
The research was conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Long-term exposure to air pollution has been found to be associated with poorer mental health in older people. One of the most harmful forms of air pollution is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which in Ireland is caused primarily by the burning of solid fuels (coal, peat and wood) for heating.
The research used data on the average annual level of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) over a 17-year period (1998-2014) linked to data from the Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing (TILDA) survey to investigate the impact of PM2.5 on mental health.
Key results
Over the 17-year period, 1998–2014, the average annual PM2.5 level for TILDA respondents was 7.7 μg/m3 (range 5–12), with more than half of the sample experiencing levels between 5 and 7 μg/m3.
These levels were low compared to international standards (EU countries such as Poland and Bulgaria had annual average levels above 25 μg/m3 in 2014). However, they are above the levels currently recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO): the WHO recommended air quality level for annual exposure to PM2.5 is 5 μg/m3.
The statistical model showed that higher annual average PM2.5 levels were significantly associated with greater depression and anxiety.
No evidence was identified of associations between long-term PM2.5 air pollution and other indicators of mental health and well-being (stress, worry and overall quality of life).
Duration of the exhibition
It is possible that different dimensions of mental health may be influenced by the duration of exposure or the specific type of pollutant.
Professor Anne Nolan, one of the paper’s authors, said: “The study’s findings add to the body of evidence suggesting that harmful health effects from air pollution can occur at low levels of exposure. In Ireland, the recent Clean Air Strategy commits to meeting WHO air quality guidelines by 2040. Meeting this target will require substantial action to decarbonise domestic heating, alongside measures to reduce pollution from industry, transport and agriculture.”
Dr Eimear Cotter, Director of EPA’s Office of Evidence and Evaluation, said: “Our health and wellbeing are intrinsically linked to the quality of our environment. This research provides further evidence that long-term exposure to air pollution, even at low levels, is harmful to health. The results reinforce the need for policy action to encourage the transition from solid fuels to alternative, less harmful forms of home heating.”
