Maciej Tota1
Julia Karska2
Szymon Kowalski1
Natalia Piątek1Magdalena Pszczołowska1Katarzyna Mazur1
Patryk Piotrowski2*- 1Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- 2Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
Environmental pollution exposures, including air, soil, water, light, and noise pollution, are critical issues that may implicate adverse mental health outcomes. Extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts, may also cause long-term severe concerns. However, the knowledge about possible psychiatric disorders associated with these exposures is currently not well disseminated. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge on the impact of environmental pollution and extreme weather conditions on mental health, focusing on anxiety spectrum disorders, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and depression. In air pollution studies, increased concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 were the most strongly associated with the exacerbation of anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression symptoms. We provide an overview of the suggested underlying pathomechanisms involved. We highlight that the pathogenesis of environmental pollution-related diseases is multifactorial, including increased oxidative stress, systematic inflammation, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and epigenetic dysregulation. Light pollution and noise pollution were correlated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, the impact of soil and water pollution is discussed. Such compounds as crude oil, heavy metals, natural gas, agro-chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers), polycyclic or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), solvents, lead (Pb), and asbestos were associated with detrimental impact on mental health. Extreme weather conditions were linked to depression and anxiety spectrum disorders, namely PTSD. Several policy recommendations and awareness campaigns should be implemented, advocating for the advancement of high-quality urbanization, the mitigation of environmental pollution, and, consequently, the enhancement of residents’ mental health.
Graphical Abstract Suggested impact of environmental pollution in the pathogenesis of mental disorders. ICAM-1, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1; VCAM-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1; DCF, density compensation function; CBF, cerebrospinal fluid; ROS, reactive oxygen species.
1 Introduction
Environmental pollution presents a global challenge, affecting numerous aspects of public health. Growing evidence suggests a correlation between various pollutants such as air, soil, water, light, and noise pollution, as well as extreme weather conditions (hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts), and the development of mental disorders. These pollutants can influence the human nervous system, resulting in notable effects on mental health. They can alter neural tissue function and gene expression and also potentially cause social stress linked to environmental degradation. Within this framework, environmental pollution acts as a psychogenic factor, triggering psychological trauma and disrupting individual homeostasis (1).
Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric conditions that significantly worsen the quality of life. According to large population studies, the lifetime prevalence is estimated at 30-35% in the United States (2–4). Anxiety is a broad term that comprises many subtypes, namely, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD) (5).
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder marked by hallucinations, disorganized speech, and delusions. The condition, which affects 1% of the world’s population, is one of the leading 10 global causes of disability (6). Despite the estimated 60-80% heritability of schizophrenia, it is highly believed that several environmental factors contribute to the emergence (7–9). Of these, maternal infections and obstetric complications during pregnancy, winter or spring birth, childhood adversity, cannabis use, and urban living are frequently linked to an elevated incidence of schizophrenia (6, 10).
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders. The etiology of ASDs remains inconclusive, but research suggests genetic, epigenetic, and environmental contributing factors and likely prenatal origins (11–13). Its genetic heterogeneity is remarkable – more than 800 ASD predisposition genes are identified. Experimental findings indicate that there are commonalities in the pathways affected by both genetic mutations and environmental factors. This suggests that there are intersections and intricate interactions between genetic vulnerability and harmful substances like air pollutants in their impact on ASD. Research involving animal models exposed to air pollutants has revealed a variety of intricate impacts on the central nervous system (CNS). The underlying mechanisms often involve oxidative stress and neuroinflammation (11).
Depressive disorders affect approximately 5-6% of the population and can lead to an increased risk of suicide. Moreover, depression is also associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and vice versa somatic conditions may be aggravating factors that worsen depression symptoms (14–16).
Despite many hypotheses, the pathomechanisms of environmental pollution-related diseases have not been fully elucidated yet. Our review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the relationship between environmental pollution and the emergence of mental health, including the most common disorders, e.g., anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder and depression.
2 Materials and methods
We undertook a comprehensive narrative review of literature published before 10 November 2023 in three databases – MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. After an initial literature research by two independent researchers, we developed a search strategy including the following keywords: “air pollution” and “schizophrenia”, “air pollution” and “anxiety”, “air pollution” and “depression”, “air pollution” and “autism”, “noise pollution” and “depression”, “noise pollution” and “anxiety”, “heavy metals” and “depression”, “heavy metals” and “anxiety”, “fertilisers” and “depression”, “fertilisers” and “anxiety”, “light pollution” and “depression”, “light pollution” and “anxiety”. The inclusion criteria included original research and review articles, studies on humans, and the English language. The exclusion criteria comprised insufficient or irrelevant data, conference materials, book chapters, letters to editors, case reports, animal and in vitro models, and language other than English. To ensure the completeness of data collection, we have also performed a manual evaluation of reference lists of included studies (Figure 1).
Figure 1 A flow diagram illustrating the process of literature research.
3 Air pollution
Ambient air pollution (AAP), including ambient particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), is associated with detrimental health outcomes including respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, as well as increased premature mortality risk (17–21). PM2.5 is defined as particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less, while PM10 refers to particles with a diameter of 10 μm or less. Large conducting airways are where PM10 is deposited. Meanwhile, PM2.5 can overcome the alveolar-capillary barrier and reach other organs. A common hallmark in the pathophysiology of many of these disorders linked to exposure to various airborne pollutants is inflammation (22). Several studies suggested that exposure to AAP may affect mental health, and those are herein reviewed and summarized.
The air pollutants may enter the CNS in two different ways. The first one is a direct way via the olfactory system. Nasal inhalation allows the smaller particles to contact with olfactor receptors or trigeminal nerve, by which air pollutants are transported to the brain. The second way is systemic inflammation. The air pollutants that reach the alveolars during breathing, provoke inflammation in lung tissue. As a consequence, particles are transported to the systemic circulation and subsequently pass through the blood-brain barrier (23). After crossing the blood-brain barrier, air pollutants may contribute to the development of mental disorders. The exact mechanism is complex and likely depends on interactions with other risk factors. However, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress play an important role. Air pollutants are factors that cause proinflammatory mediators to release. Chronic respiratory and systemic inflammation affects the brain and induces neuroinflammation and an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, the particles stimulate specific mechano-receptors, which leads to the lung arc reflex. Likewise, through the stimulation of mechano-receptors the sympathetic nervous system is activated and vasoconstrictors released. Furthermore, air pollutants contribute to the direct formation of ROS that damage the blood-brain barrier and alter its permeability (23, 24).
3.1 Air pollution and anxiety disorders
Zhou et al. found a positive association between SO2 and NO2 pollutants and increased outpatient anxiety visits (4.11% and 3.97% increase, respectively). No differences between gender and age were observed. Although PM10 was not substantially correlated with anxiety-related outpatient visits in the single-pollutant model, it could be a confounding factor that increased anxiety-related adverse effects of SO2 and NO2. Authors suggest that may be an outcome of a synergistic effect of pollutant combinations (5).
Hautekiet et al. evaluated the correlation between long-term annual exposure to PM2.5, black carbon (BC), NO2, and self-rated health. It was noted that higher exposure to PM2.5 and BC resulted in an increased risk of GAD. All three examined pollutants were positively associated with poor self-rated health (Table 1). This study showed neither an association between long-term AAP and severe psychological distress or suicidal behavior. Interestingly, after including physical activity levels in the analyses, the correlations between air pollution and mental or self-rated health failed to reach statistical significance (25). Thus, the benefits of exercise for mental health may outweigh the detrimental effects of air pollution.
Table 1 Overview of studies on air pollution and anxiety disorders among various populations.
Power et al. assessed the influence of PM2.5 and PM10 on anxiety symptoms in women. The authors demonstrated that increased short-term PM2.5 exposure contributed to a significant rise in anxiety prevalence. No such correlation was confirmed for PM10, and there was no dose-dependent relationship between anxiety symptoms in households near major roadways (27).
The NSHAP (National Social Life, Health and Aging Project) study has also confirmed the association between PM2.5 and anxiety. Individuals with low socioeconomic status and comorbidities were more likely to exhibit identified relationships. Notably, shorter-term exposure was more relevant to the development of anxiety symptoms (28).
Bari et al. suggested that air pollution may negatively impact employees’ performance. Authors point out that anxiety is the mediator in that correlation (30). Nonetheless, the sample size was relatively small (299 participants) and comprised only pharmaceutical workers. Hence, future studies are needed to corroborate those findings.
Another multicity study in China evaluated the role of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2. Additionally, twelve cold spell definitions were evaluated. Authors found that cold spells and air pollution are significant contributors to anxiety, and exposure to these two together may have synergistic effects on anxiety (31).
Pregnancy makes women particularly vulnerable to many diseases. Lamichhane et al. evaluated whether air pollution predisposes to anxiety and depression in that group. Exposure to PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 during the second trimester was associated with anxiety symptoms and O3 exposal during the third trimester correlated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. Notably, stronger correlations between PM2.5 and PM10 with anxiety symptoms were found among participants with a history of smoking (32).
Another group that may be more susceptible to air pollution is the child population (37). Elemental Carbon Attributable to Traffic (ECAT), a substitute for diesel exhaust, was measured at birth, at age 12, and during average exposure throughout childhood. Interestingly, the results show that early childhood exposure constituted the most relevant period of exposure regarding the outcomes of depression and was also significantly associated with anxiety symptoms (33). Similarly, Peterson et al. suggest that prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) may be associated with an increased risk of anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in youth. It is suggested that inflammation and oxidative stress could disrupt brain development (38). Notwithstanding, Jorcano et al. could not confirm this association. The authors did not observe a correlation between prenatal and postnatal exposure to air pollution with depressive, anxiety, and aggressive symptoms in children between 7 and 11 years old (35). Consequently, the lack of associations in that paper may indicate that the study population is too young to have developed emotional and behavioural issues linked to exposure to air pollution. We suggest that symptoms could be more likely to manifest later in life.
Vert et al. examined the association between air pollution and a history of anxiety and depression, as well as medication use (benzodiazepines and antidepressants). The study showed that long-term exposure to air pollution may raise the risk of depression, as well as increase antidepressant and benzodiazepine intake. Although anxiety disorder associations were insufficient to reach statistical significance, odds ratios were higher than 1 (34) (Table 1).
Altered DNA methylation is hypothesized as one of the putative mechanisms linking air pollution exposure to anxiety. Madrigano et al. assessed the association between DNA methylation of iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) genes with PM2.5 and black carbon (BC). Notably, iNOS methylation was decreased after acute exposure to both BC and PM2.5. A 1 μg/m3 increase in exposure to BC 4 hours prior to the clinical test was linked to a 0.9% decrease in 5-methylcytosine in iNOS. A 10 μg/m3 elevation in exposure to PM2.5 was associated with a 0.6% reduction in 5-methylcytosine in iNOS. The iNOS methylation was decreased by three times in people with high anxiety scores compared to participants with low anxiety scores. Individuals with low optimism levels experienced a four times reduction in iNOS methylation than participants with high optimism scores (36) (Table 1).
3.2 Air pollution and schizophrenia
Ji et al. investigated the effect of short-term exposure to O3, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO on hospitalization for schizophrenia. They found that PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and CO concentrations were associated with an increased number of hospital admissions. SO2 pollutant, in particular, was strongly associated with the examined endpoint. Females and individuals under age 45 were more susceptible to air pollution (39).
Another study found that the risk of hospital admission for schizophrenia depending on PM2.5 or PM10 waves correlates with marital status and sex – a higher risk was observed among married and female patients. PM2.5 wave was defined as ≥3 consecutive days with PM2.5 concentration ≥90th, ≥92.5th, ≥95th, and ≥97.5th percentile. Such air conditions corresponded to 5.0% (2.3%–7.8%), 5.1% (1.9%–8.4%), 6.9% (3.0%–10.8%) and 12.0% (5.3%–19.1%) risk of schizophrenia hospitalization, respectively (40). One possible explanation for the higher incidence of schizophrenia hospital admissions among married patients is that they may receive more prompt and appropriate attention from their spouses.
Hospital re-admission due to schizophrenia exacerbations is another issue that was investigated in the concern of air pollution (41). Both PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were positively correlated with hospital re-admissions. Younger patients (<45 years old) were more susceptible, consistent with other studies. Although, unlike in other studies – stronger associations were found in males (41).
A nationwide study conducted in the United States found that the effect of PM2.5 on hospital schizophrenia admissions is not immediate after exposure but appears 3-6 days later (42). It suggests the delayed type of response, yet the exact pathomechanism remains unclear. Furthermore, the authors found stronger associations in the cold season than in warmer months. Those findings were consistent with (43) that indicated the synergistic effect of cold spells (temperature below the 6th centile for at least three days) and high AQI (air quality index; higher mean worse quality). That study also supported the delayed type of response hypothesis – the effect on the 2nd day was higher than that on the 1st day. Correspondingly, the effect on the 3rd and subsequent days of a cold spell was higher than that on the 2nd day (43). Analogous results on the negative impact of cold spells on anxiety symptoms are reviewed above (31).
Analyses of exposure-response curves for PM10, SO2, and NO2 at lag0 with outpatient schizophrenia visits by Liang et al. found the strongest associations for PM10 concentration higher than 200 μg/m3 (higher than 700 μg/m3 did not correlate with increased number of visits), for SO2 higher than 50 μg/m3 (no upper threshold was found), and for NO2 higher than 60 μg/m3 (higher than 120 μg/m3 did not correlate with increased number of visits) (44). Authors have also shown that NO2 and SO2 were more strongly associated with outpatient visits due to schizophrenia than PM10 (44). In another study, Bai et al. proposed a prominently lower threshold for NO2 concentration at 21.5 μg/m3 (45). Thus, we conclude that the detrimental effect of air pollutants on schizophrenia patients is dose-dependent, and the established alert threshold should be as low as possible.
The relationship between the gut microbiome and schizophrenia has recently been subject to substantial attention. Dysbiosis may drive inflammatory processes and contribute to the impairment of epithelial barrier function in schizophrenia (46). It was found that exposure to air pollutants, especially long-term exposure to NO2, can cause liver dysfunction. Yi et al. found that the abundance of Coriobacteriales significantly correlated with increased gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) levels in patients with schizophrenia (47). Results of a study based on whole-exome sequencing show that O3 exposure is associated with lower gut microbial diversity and higher Bacteroides caecimuris (48). Nevertheless, to date, conducted clinical trials on psychosis microbiome research comprised methodology limitations (49, 50). Future studies should address the critical questions presented by Kelly et al. (50).
Epigenetic dysregulation is one of the possible mechanisms linking air pollution to schizophrenia risk. Numerous postmortem studies have presented alterations in DNA methylation of schizophrenia patients (51–55). Methylome-wide analysis of DNA methylation has shown 112 hypermethylated and 125 hypomethylated regions in patients with schizophrenia (56). In sum, the hypomethylated group displayed enrichment associated with immune response signaling via Notch/HH/Wnt, whereas the hypermethylated group showed enrichment connected with GPCR signaling through MAPK (56) (Table 2).
Table 2 Overview of studies on air pollution and schizophrenia among various populations.
3.3 Air pollution and autism spectrum disorders
Numerous studies and meta-analyses indicate a relationship between exposure to air pollution and the development of ASDs. These studies focus on assessing exposure to hazardous factors in relation to exposure windows, including prenatal periods (first trimester, third trimester, and entire pregnancy), the first year after birth, and the second year after birth (58). There is no consensus as to which exposure period is most relevant - some authors suggest the period of pregnancy, others early postnatal periods (58, 59).
Research indicates that exposure during pregnancy to pollutants, notably PM2.5, negatively impacts the development of ASDs in newborns (60, 61). Chun et al., in meta-analysis show weak evidence for NO2 and little evidence for PM10 and ozone (62). A cohort study from Sweden shows that small-scale residential heating (mainly wood burning) and road traffic (tailpipe emissions and vehicle wear-and-tear) are relevant exposure sources (63). Yu et al. hypothesized that synergistic associations of prenatal air pollution and conditions related to maternal immune activation would increase ASD risk in children. However, there were no statistically significant interactions between MIA conditions and prenatal PM2.5 exposure on ASD risk (64). Another cohort study from Canada showed that prenatal greenspace exposure was associated with reduced odds of ASD, but in the additive scale, this effect was null at the population level (65) (Figure 2).
Figure 2 Putative exposure windows for the development of ASDs: pregnancy and early postnatal stages.
3.4 Air pollution and depression
Air pollution is a cause of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress that lead to cerebrovascular damage, as well as neurotransmitter and hormonal dysregulation. Due to the negative effect on the human organism, air pollution increases the risk of depression (24). Furthermore, the result of the study conducted by Fu et al. shows that air pollution has an additive effect on the development of depression in participants with a high genetic risk of that disorder (66).
Despite an enormous number of studies aimed at determining which air pollutant plays the most important role in the onset of depression, the consensus on the matter of scientists is not clear (24, 67, 68). The meta-analysis conducted by Fan et al. evaluated the association between air pollution and depression based on 22 studies from 10 different countries. The influence of ambient particulate (PM10, PM2.5) and gaseous (NO, NO2, CO, SO2, O3) air pollutants on the disorder was analyzed. The association between short-term exposure to NO2 and augmented risk of depression was observed. However, long-term and short-term exposure to other investigated air pollutants was not significantly connected with the increased risk of that disorder (67). The meta-analysis conducted by Borroni et al. examined 39 studies from different countries. The relationship between short-term and long-term exposure to PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, O3, CO, and depression was evaluated. The results of the meta-analysis showed a notable association between that disorder and long-term exposure to PM2.5 and NO2. Per each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, the risk of depression was about 7% higher. In reference to long-term exposure to NO2, the risk of depression was estimated to be 4% greater per each 10 μg/m3 increase in pollutant concentration. The augmented risk of depression was also observed in short-term exposure to PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, O3, and CO. However, the quality of evidence for each air pollutant (in reference to short-term exposure) was not higher than moderate (24).
Zijlema et al. investigated the association between air pollution and depressed mood in 70 928 individuals by analyzing data obtained from LifeLines (the Netherlands), KORA (Germany), HUNT (Norway) and FINRISK (Finland). Depressed mood ranged from 1.6% (KORA) to 11.3% (FINRISK). The results of the study were heterogeneous and the notable relation between depression and exposure to AAP were not found (69). The meta-analysis conducted by Zeng et al. showed that long-term exposure to PM2.5 and short-term exposure to PM10, NO2, SO2, CO is significantly related to augmented risk of depression (70).
A prospective population-based cohort study based on data from the UK Biobank cohort evaluated participants at baseline and during a follow-up. The elevated levels of five air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, NOx) were associated with a greater risk of developing depression at baseline. However, during the follow-up, the higher odds of mental disorders were not observed for PMcoarse (2.5-10 μg). Besides, the other four evaluated air pollutants were related to increased risk of mental disorders. The results showed that long-term exposure to NO2 and NOx was more strongly associated with depression than PM2.5 (68). In another study based on the UK Biobank, incidents of depression and anxiety associated with long-term exposure to PM2.5, PM10, NO, and NO2 were evaluated. Accordingly, the exposure-response curves were non-linear. The slope was steeper at lower concentrations, with plateauing trends at higher concentrations (71).
The research conducted by Latham et al. evaluated the correlation between childhood exposure to NO2, NOx, PM2.5, PM10 and depression in UK adolescents. They examined 2232 individuals at age 18 that were exposed to high levels of ambient air pollution at age 10. The findings of the research showed that the augmented risk of developing major depressive disorder applies especially to the participants with the highest level of annual exposure to NOx and PM2.5. However, future research should include other socio-economic risk factors and genetic susceptibility alongside. This would allow improving the performance of the risk prediction model (72).
The findings of Qiu et al. study suggest that long-term exposure to PM2.5, NO2, and O3 contributes to the onset of late-life depression. The mean age of examined individuals at entry (after 5-years washout period) was 73.7 years. In reference to long-term exposure, each 5-unit increase PM2.5, NO2, and O3 was associated with an adjusted percentage increase in depression risk of 0.91% (95% CI, 0.02%-1.81%), 0.61% (95% CI, 0.31%- 0.92%), and 2.13% (95% CI, 1.63%-2.64%). Furthermore, older adults with comorbidities had a higher risk of developing late-life depression when exposed to air pollutants. Individuals with cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, and neurological diseases were particularly more sensitive to NO2 (73).
Additionally, it is suggested that women with impaired cognition are at increased risk of depression when exposed to air pollution (74). Lim et al. also investigated the association between exposure to air pollution and late-life depression. They used the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (SGDS-K) to examine depressive symptomatology during a 3-year follow-up study. According to that research the exposure to PM10, NO2, O3 is related to increased risk of developing late-life depression (75).
Additionally, exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy was associated with an augmented risk of prenatal anxiety or depression. Pregnant women are more vulnerable to gains in the concentration of air pollutants since their ventilation rate increases (76).
4 Light pollution
According to the International Dark Sky Association, light pollution involves the improper or excessive use of artificial lighting, leading to significant environmental consequences for humans, wildlife, and climate. A staggering 80% of the global population is affected by excessive levels of artificial light. Research links light pollution to health issues, including multiple mental disorders (77–79). Outdoor and indoor dim artificial light at night (dLAN), usually around 5-10 lux, plays a key role in light pollution’s impact on neurodegeneration (80, 81), often exceeding the minimum light pollution threshold in many countries (82) (Figure 3).
Figure 3 Geographical distribution of literature concerning air pollution.
4.1 Light pollution and Alzheimer’s disease
Light pollution may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or other types of dementia due to its impact on sleep, essential for neuron health. Previous research showed that there is a linear or unprecise association with late-onset dementia and dLAN (83). Artificial lighting interferes with the functioning of our internal biological clock (84, 85). Consequently, one of the most significant environmental challenges is light pollution, which has the potential to cause persistent disturbances in the circadian rhythms (81, 86). There is evidence to indicate that the disruption of circadian rhythms and associated sleep deprivation may play a pivotal role in the onset of AD (87–89). People experiencing such disruptions have a 1.49 times greater risk of developing AD compared to individuals without sleep and circadian disturbances (90).
An altered pattern of melatonin release may have a significant impact on the development of AD. This disruption might hinder the processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the production of Aβ through glymphatic-lymphatic pathways and degradation mechanisms. In circumstances characterized by circadian rhythm disruption, there is a propensity for the accumulation of neurotoxic proteins within the cerebral tissue due to impaired clearance mechanisms involving glial phagocytosis and active transport. These processes are further exacerbated by heightened orexin levels and perturbations in melatonin secretion patterns. Furthermore, compromised melatonin release supports an elevated production of amyloid-beta (Aβ) (89, 91–95).
4.2 Light pollution impacts affective and autism spectrum disorders
Some research has suggested that disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle caused by exposure to artificial light pollution may serve as triggering factors in bipolar disorder (96–98). Furthermore, it is well established that sleep deprivation can induce manic episodes, although the precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear (99). Additionally, reactive oxygen species releasing patterns with their physiological role in seasonal photoperiodism may change under light pollution conditions. This phenomenon could contribute to the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (100).
Numerous individuals with ASDs experience disruptions in their sleep/wake cycles, making them potentially more susceptible to the effects of circadian disruptors. dLAN alone was adequate to disturb locomotor activity patterns, intensify excessive grooming behavior, and reduce social preferences in the ASDs mouse model (101).
Several studies suggested that teenagers who had major depressive disorder displayed more severe insomnia, shorter sleep duration, greater social jetlag, reduced relative activity amplitude, and increased exposure to dLAN when compared to other groups (102, 103). Research involving animal models has demonstrated that light exposure influences behaviors resembling depression and anxiety, shedding light on the underlying neural mechanisms for these effects (104). Additionally, a separate study conducted among a representative sample of South Korean adults revealed that individuals residing in areas with higher levels of outdoor dLAN were more likely to report symptoms of depression and present suicidal behavior (105).
Exposure to dLAN during adolescence has been proposed as a factor that may lead to a slight rise in vulnerability to anxiety-related behavior in female mice and trigger depressive-like symptoms in both male and female mice (106). It was reported in the literature that anxiety disorders, especially driven by phobias, may occur in the presence of higher outdoor dLAN. This association might be explained by the fact that light pollution could lead to sleep deprivation, which is said to be directly associated with anxiety disorders (102, 107).
Remarkably, artificial light may be considered as a potential approach to certain mental disorders treatment. Many eco-friendly light bulbs, like LEDs, emit white light that contains a prominent blue component (400-490 nm), potentially disrupting circadian rhythms. Healthier options may include blue-free white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) to counteract chronodisruption (86). Furthermore, light therapy has widely been known as a therapy for mood disorders (102, 108, 109). Crucially, altering the dLAN spectrum to longer wavelengths helped alleviate the adverse effects on activity rhythms and behaviors resembling ‘autistic’ traits in autistic mouse models (110). The mutant mice, when administered melatonin daily, exhibited a reduction in excessive grooming behavior, bringing it down to levels seen in wild-type mice, and their activity rhythms showed improvement (101). Melatonin levels reduced by exposure to light pollution could be restored by its supplementation, which may ensure neuroprotective and anxiolytic effects in the context of anxiety disorders (111). Nonetheless, as these practices are not yet widely adopted, people continue to face the issue of light pollution in their surroundings. However, alterations in daily routines and exposure to indoor lighting remain crucial factors to consider.
5 Noise pollution
Noise may be a perilous factor that negatively influences overall well-being, as it may affect not only the sense of hearing but also mental health. It was proven that noise induces the pituitary-adrenal-cortical axis and the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary axis. These axes may be a cause of neuroinflammation and alterations in the levels of neurotransmitters. It may also lead to the damage of synaptic plasticity (112). It was recently discovered that chronic noise exposure might lead to neurodegenerative changes in the brain due to the overproduction of molecules such as ROS. It was shown that neurons are susceptible to the harmful impact of ROS due to the increased amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids building the membranes. Neurons also have high oxygen uptake, although poor antioxidant defense (113).
There were two pathways in the noise reaction model presented. The first pathway, known as ‘‘direct’’, is characterized by the instantaneous interaction of the acoustic nerve with the various structures of the CNS. The second, called “indirect”, is related to the emotional response to the noise, which is perceived as an annoyance (114). Both pathways lead to the physiological stress reaction.
In the Dutch study, a correlation between road traffic noise and the prescription of anxiolytics was found. The study also proved the connection between psychological distress and rail traffic noise (115). Anxiety may be a result of prolonged exposure to disturbing sounds.
A positive correlation between noise and depression was found (116). The influence of noise on the risk of suicidal death was investigated in Korean patients. The research showed that prolonged exposure to noise may be a risk factor for suicide. The same study revealed that this risk is higher among adults with mental illness (117). Studies among people living in areas with high aircraft noise showed that they were more susceptible to mental disorders compared to those living in quieter places (118).
Mental stress may also occur due to cardiovascular diseases caused by low-level noise exposure or sleep disturbance, which appears because of undesirable sounds (119). To sum up, noise has a negative influence on health and long-term exposure results in consequences both in physical and mental conditions (Figure 4).
Figure 4 Experimental studies on the molecular pathways of traffic noise exposure proposed that it increased the level of stress hormones and mediated the inflammatory and oxidative stress (OS) pathways, resulting in endothelial and neuronal dysfunction (113).
6 Soil pollution
Along with the industrial development, soil in many places on Earth has become contaminated by many toxic substances such as crude oil, heavy metals, natural gas, agrochemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers), polycyclic or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), solvents, lead (Pb), and asbestos (120–123). These substances affect both physical and mental health.
Exposure to the Pb in the ground may lead to psychosis in humans. In one study, it was proven that the connection between the occurrence of psychosis with gene expression influenced the risk of this condition while they were exposed to Pb. It was shown that children exposed to this agent in early life may experience hyperactivation of the dopaminergic system (124). Exposure to heavy metals was also linked to the occurrence of psychosis (125). The Spanish study revealed a positive correlation between living in areas with contaminated soil by various metals and the prevalence of mental disorders. It was also proven that the group consuming vegetables more than once daily had a stronger correlation (126). Similar results were found in the Belgian population (127).
Polycyclic or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are said to be responsible for impaired neurodevelopment and behavioral changes, such as diminished ADHD (128).
Asbestos poisoning leads to the development of many mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and psychoticism. It was also proven that it may lead to somatization, paranoid ideation, or even hostility (129).
Considering pesticides, much research conducted in Thailand, Canada, and Brazil proved that these agents may lead to mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and ASDs (130–133). The possible link may be the decreased activity of red blood cell cholinesterase (134).
Industrial solvents are believed to be responsible for alterations in the brain. It was proven that chronic exposure to these substances causes leukoencephalopathy and neuron degeneration. Moreover, cerebral and cerebellar atrophy caused by myelin loss, increased in size perivascular spaces and mild gliosis are observed (135).
Considering all the research described above it is certain that contaminated soil by many different substances has a negative influence on human mental life.
7 Water pollution
Water pollution is a problem that affects many countries, especially with higher poverty rates. There are several studies on the effects of water pollution on the environment and human health. The literature on the subject focusing on mental health studied the following pollutants: lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and volatile phenol (Fn), which were all significantly associated with mental health (136).
According to the literature, water pollution contributes to mental health deterioration and has a more significant effect on low-income subjects compared to high-income. Accordingly, water quality improvement leads to better mental health (136). Research results show that heavy metals have a greater effect on mental health compared to other agents, possibly due to their accumulation in the human body, which causes long-term effects.
One of the hypotheses explaining the correlation between pollution and mental health deterioration suggests it might be linked to inflammatory processes in response to chemicals and heavy metals (137). It is believed that high levels of heavy metals cause oxidative stress, which leads to neurotoxicity and cell apoptosis (138). Structural changes were observed in the brains of patients exposed to Pb and Cd, including decreased total cortical volume, white matter, and abnormal laminar organization.
Lead has pharmacological and morphological effects on the human nervous system. Lead exposure causes a reduction in intellectual functioning and memory reduction (138). Lead pollution is linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia and psychosis. Exposure during pregnancy and postnatal exposure is also linked to an elevated risk of ADHD and decreased learning ability (138–141).
Water is the primary source of inorganic arsenic for humans. The highest allowable limit of arsenic in drinking water set by WHO is 10μg As/liter. Exceeding this limit might be a cause of neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression (142–144). A study conducted in Hungary associated arsenic in drinking water with a higher suicide rate (145). Arsenic can cause speech impairment and have a negative effect on cognitive and neurobehavioral performance (138).
Cadmium is an element that may be associated with increased risk for ASDs and ADHD. In the most recent study, the risk for ASD and ADHD was 1.6 times higher for children with the highest exposure compared to children with the lowest exposure (146). Nevertheless, there is a need for more data as other literature shows different results (147, 148). Cadmium is also linked to neurotoxicity and neural cell apoptosis (138).
A study evaluating the impact of prenatal and early childhood tetrachloroethylene (PCE) exposure revealed a 1.8-fold increased risk of bipolar disorder (95% CI: 0.9-3.5), 1.5-fold increased risk of PTSD (95% CI: 0.9-2.5), and 2.1-fold increased risk of schizophrenia (95% CI: 0.2-20.0). However, as the study group with schizophrenia was small (n=3), further studies are needed to corroborate these findings (149).
With the increased use of pharmaceuticals, studies have found that they are increasingly detected in surface, ground, and drinking water. Most pharmaceuticals as single compounds do not pose a threat or can be a moderate environmental threat. So far, pharmaceutical water pollution is not associated with health risks for humans due to the low doses found in tested water (150). Nevertheless, it remains a topic to be further studied. Some authors report an increase in psychoactive drug concentrations in the water supply, which might influence brain development as they can cross intestinal and placental barriers. That, in turn, may contribute to the development of neurological disorders like ASDs and AD (151).
Worth acknowledging is also the effect of events like oil spills, which cause immense damage to the environment and can influence mental health. A study from 2011 on the effects of the DWH (Deepwater Horizon) oil spill investigated a population already sensitized after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 when the oil spill happened, which accentuated the effects of the oil spill in 2010. Symptoms that affected the interviewed population included anger, anxiety, symptoms of GAD, and acute stress reactions with early symptoms of PTSD. A significant increase in anxiety, PTSD, and depression was also found in a study after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 (152). In both studies, a relationship between the oil spill and increased alcohol and substance use was found. Studies done years after the oil spill suggest that the effects on mental health persist after many years (152, 153). Similar outcomes were observed in Flint, Michigan, where issues with water contamination caused an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression (154). Some studies indicate a less significant effect on mental health, especially in groups with good social support and satisfaction with recovery aid (155) (Figure 5).
Figure 5 Geographical distribution of literature concerning water pollution.
8 Extreme weather conditions
As the prevalence of extreme weather events increases with climate change, we cannot ignore the effect it has on mental health. Extreme weather events include floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and droughts. According to the literature, the most common mental health effects are depression, PTSD, and anxiety (156). These disorders are especially concerning for the most vulnerable groups with risk factors, including females, children [up to 71% of children experience PTSD symptoms as a result of natural disasters (157)], minorities, people with low socioeconomic status and education or with preexisting mental health symptomatology and high exposure to extreme weather conditions (156, 158, 159). Studies suggest that repeated exposure to extreme weather events like hurricanes can have cumulative effects on mental health, causing deterioration of mental health symptoms (160). These effects may also occur with indirect exposure through knowing someone who experienced stress due to extreme weather events or being exposed to them through media (156, 161). Authors have also suggested that natural disasters influence alcohol use, but the outcomes are so far unclear (156).
Research shows an association between a higher level of exposure to hurricanes with a higher risk of PD (panic disorder), PTSD, depression, or anxiety (162) and a cumulative effect of repeated hurricane exposure, including indirect exposure through media, which can lead to sensitization and more adverse distress symptoms (160). Factors like pre-existing mental illness, property loss, and injury before or during a hurricane were positively associated with short-term psychological distress (160, 163). A different outcome was observed in a study from Puerto Rico. In this study, the data was not statistically significant and did not entail mental health deterioration with property loss (162). In longitudinal studies, research suggests the effects of hurricane-related trauma persist and can affect 16,7% of responders (164). Populations exposed to hurricanes had the highest rate of PTSD symptoms compared to other extreme weather exposures (165).
Floods are one of the most common natural disasters occurring in the world. A series of recent studies show an elevated risk of depression, anxiety, and PTSD among groups exposed to flood (166). In the long-term, subjects experienced anxiety (>60%), increased stress level (<40%), frequent flashbacks (23%), sleeplessness (18%), depression (18%), and nightmares (<10%) (167). Meta-analysis reports that the combined incidence of PTSD among flood victims reaches 15.74% and can vary significantly across studies (0.63%-46.64%). The reasons for this disproportion are suggested to be cultural background, different sample sizes, diagnostic criteria, period, and post-flood interventions (166) 78.6% of people exposed to flood in Tamil Nadu reported no access to food, and 37.7% had no access to drinking water which resulted in higher levels of anxiety and depression. Rates were also higher in the group who experienced material or personal loss. Different levels of depression were observed among 45.29% of the study participants. The severity of depression correlated with a higher level of exposure and intensity of flood (166, 168).
Research shows that wildfires contribute to mental distress, fear, and feelings of uncertainty, which can cause long-term mental problems (169). Extended exposure to wildfire and smoke may cause an increased risk of ever having a depressive episode and anxiety (170). Exposure to wildfires can also result in PTSD symptoms. In particular, direct exposure was found to be positively correlated with PTSD and depression symptoms (171). For this reason, firefighters and patients with burns are significantly affected by mental health issues after the exposition (172). Factors contributing to resilience, including sleep quality, physical exercise, mindfulness, and emotional support, were found to negatively correlate with PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptom severity (171).
Droughts have a more gradual effect than other extreme weather events. They have been linked to increased suicide risk among male farmers (173) and increased general mental distress, especially in young and middle-aged women (174). In a study by Hanigan et al., older women had lower levels of distress compared to young and middle-aged women, which may be linked to experience and growing up in low-income communities. They were also more involved in volunteer work and social system communities (174). Contrary to previous studies that suggested a positive association between distress and farming occupation. Hanigan et al. did not find different levels of distress between farmers and non-farmers participants. Most studies come from rural areas of Australia. Different outcomes were observed in urban areas where the impact of drought on mental health was significantly lower (175, 176) (Figure 6; Table 3).
Figure 6 Geographical distribution of literature concerning extreme weather conditions.
Table 3 Overview of studies on extreme weather exposure and its mental health consequences.
9 Discussion
Environmental pollution remains a matter of great significance to public health in the modern world. Several environmental exposures, including air, soil, and water pollution, have been associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes, as well as premature deaths. Light and noise pollution are underestimated concerns for citizens in urbanized areas. Extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts, also may implicate serious long-term issues.
Exposure-response curves between air pollutants and mental disorders prevalence were non-linear. The slope was steeper at lower concentrations, with plateauing trends at higher concentrations. Increased concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 were the most detrimental, particularly for vulnerable groups, namely children, pregnant women, and elderly patients with comorbidities. Increased concentrations of these air pollutants were the most strongly associated with exacerbation of anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression symptoms, as well as increased number of hospital and outpatient disease-specific visits. For PM10 studies were not consistent, PM10 could be a confounding factor that worsens symptoms with co-existence of other air pollutants. Several lines of evidence suggest that early-life exposure to air pollution may cause increased incidence of schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression in late-life, although studies are equivocal. A causal relationships cannot be excluded. However, more research is needed to corroborate those associations.
Research highlights air pollution as a significant factor in the development of autism, emphasizing that pollutants may pose greater risks during certain stages of pregnancy and early postnatal life. PM2.5 has been particularly singled out, but studies also point to NO2, PM10, and ozone as contributing factors, with an emphasis on sources such as residential heating and road traffic. Moreover, in the case of ASDs, studies propose a synergistic association between prenatal air pollution exposure and the activation of the maternal immune system. However, statistically significant interactions remain inconclusive.
To date, a pathomechanism linking air pollutants to mental health deterioration has not been fully elucidated, albeit there are many hypotheses. Oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, epigenetic dysregulation, and disruption of the blood-brain barrier were the most commonly suggested pathomechanisms linked to mental health disorders. These processes lead to disturbance in neurotransmitters, e.g., dopaminergic or glutaminergic toxicity, increased glucocorticoid activity, increased microglial activation, and reduced neurogenesis. Thus, we conclude that the detrimental effect of air pollutants on mental health is multifactorial.
Light pollution, stemming from improper or excessive artificial lighting, affects a significant portion of the global population, leading to various adverse health outcomes, particularly in relation to neurodegenerative diseases like AD, bipolar disorder, ASDs, depression, and anxiety disorders. Studies identify disruptions in circadian rhythms, sleep patterns, and hormone release as key mechanisms through which light pollution influences mental health. Whether it’s the disturbance of sleep-wake cycles, alterations in melatonin secretion, or the accumulation of neurotoxic proteins, the effects of light pollution on mental well-being manifest across diverse populations and conditions. Moreover, research consistently suggests potential therapeutic approaches, such as using eco-friendly lighting options and light therapy, to mitigate the adverse effects of light pollution on mental health. While challenges remain in implementing widespread mitigation strategies, the scientific consensus underscores the urgent need to address light pollution to safeguard public mental health effectively.
It was recently discovered that chronic noise exposure may lead to neurodegenerative changes in the brain due to the harmful impact of ROS. A positive correlation between noise and depression was found, as well as between noise and suicide rate.
Crude oil, heavy metals, natural gas, agrochemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers), polycyclic or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), solvents, lead (Pb), and asbestos are substances present in the soil which have a negative influence on human mental health such as psychosis, impaired neurodevelopment and behavioral changes, depression, anxiety, and ASDs.
Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts are all major stressors that can contribute to developing mental health disorders, especially depression, PTSD and anxiety. Deeper knowledge about the subject could enable early response in the most affected groups and, consequently, reduce mental health symptoms. Most vulnerable groups include females, children, minorities, people with low socioeconomic status, and pre-existing mental illness.
The most common water pollutants known for mental health deterioration are heavy metals due to their neurotoxic effect. Exposure to heavy metals may lead to a variety of symptoms, including psychosis, schizophrenia, and depression. In affected children, studies suggest an increased risk of ADHD and ASDs.
Several limitations should be acknowledged. First, the methodology of different studies was not homogenous. The authors utilized various scales and end-points for symptom severity assessment. Hence, we were unable to conduct a meta-analysis, and our review can be considered as a comprehensive narrative review. Second, in the majority of studies, data was obtained from single-country or single-region areas or comprised of information from selected populations. That implies an increased risk of selection bias. Third, in different studies, authors stated that measurement of specific pollutants was impossible, suggesting possible measurement bias. Nevertheless, we believe that these limitations are strictly related to the observational type of reviewed studies, and their findings should not be omitted.
Author contributions
MT: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. JK: Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. SK: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. NP: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. MP: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. KM: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. PP: Funding acquisition, Supervision, Validation, Writing – review & editing.
Funding
The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Publisher’s note
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Keywords: environmental pollution, air pollution, anxiety, schizophrenia, depression, extreme weather conditions
Citation: Tota M, Karska J, Kowalski S, Piątek N, Pszczołowska M, Mazur K and Piotrowski P (2024) Environmental pollution and extreme weather conditions: insights into the effect on mental health. Front. Psychiatry 15:1389051. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1389051
Received: 20 February 2024; Accepted: 13 May 2024;
Published: 28 May 2024.
Edited by:
Liana Fattore, CNR Neuroscience Institute (IN), ItalyCopyright © 2024 Tota, Karska, Kowalski, Piątek, Pszczołowska, Mazur and Piotrowski. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Patryk Piotrowski, patryk.piotrowski@umw.edu.pl