Kinkini Gupta
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Kinkini Gupta | Updated : June 22, 2022 2:31 PM IST
It supports cellular function and DNA integrity and helps reduce exposure to harmful substances like glyphosate. It is also crucial for brain development and DNA optimization and prevents neural tube defects.
Pollutants in the atmosphere are increasing every day. Breathing toxic air causes countless health problems starting with asthma, lung diseases, heart disease and also skin problems. But did you know that polluted air also affects your brain, especially in children? Researchers say that air pollution can have serious short term and long-term impacts on the brain development in children. Clean air is a critical component in ensuring children's well-being and all-round development. Preliminary researchers had only specified how air pollution impacts respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and there wasn't enough evidence on children's nervous system.
When a person inhales the pollutants that are present in the atmosphere, the body generates an immune response system. The immune response system leads to serious neuroinflammation in the brain. Neuroinflammation can lead to the damage of neural tissue in several areas of the brain. The areas that are essential for proper cognitive development and function, gets severely affected due to this.
Children are more vulnerable to air pollutants because of their higher breathing rate. Their lungs have also not yet developed its natural barriers to filter out toxic air. Children consume more air as compared to adults and also spend more time outdoors as compared to adults. They are also much less aware of the pollutants that could be hazardous to them and may ingest these pollutants due to increased frequency of contact between hands, face and mouth.
Apart from affecting cognition development and function in children, air pollution can also lead to memory problems and diseases like dementia and Alzheimer. It can act as a trigger to changes in the brain leading to a decline in one's memory.
It might be a difficult task to make sure that your family is safe, but there are steps you can take to reduce the intake of pollutants, especially for children.
These steps can keep you safe to a certain extent. But till the problem of pollution is not addressed and solved urgently, the risk will remain.
