A comprehensive study led by Dr. Mary Abed Al Ahad from the University of St. Andrews analyzed data from over 202,000 individuals in the Scottish Longitudinal Study.

The research examined yearly concentrations of four pollutants—nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter less than 10 micrometers (PM10), and particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5)—from 2002 to 2017.

Findings indicate that exposure to air pollution is significantly linked to increased hospital admissions for mental illness.

Specifically, higher cumulative exposure to NO2 and particulate matter correlates with a rise in hospital admissions for various health issues, including mental and behavioral disorders.

The study highlights NO2 as particularly associated with greater admissions for mental health issues, with an incidence rate ratio of 1.021.

In contrast, SO2 was linked to respiratory admissions, showing an incidence rate ratio of 1.016.

The analysis revealed that for each 1 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5, respiratory hospital admissions rose by 4.2%, while NO2 saw a 1.2% increase.

Additionally, research suggests that childhood exposure to polluted areas may increase the likelihood of developing mental disorders later in life.

Ioannis Bakolis from King’s College London supports the study's findings, emphasizing the growing evidence linking air pollution to mental health issues.

Previous studies have primarily focused on the mortality and physical health impacts of air pollution, often overlooking its effects on mental health.

The authors advocate for stricter environmental regulations and a transition to renewable energy as potential solutions to alleviate the hospital care burden in Scotland.

Dr. Abed Al Ahad calls for improved environmental policies to reduce air pollution and enhance public health outcomes.