Health Note

Studies have found that people in more polluted areas are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. Pollution has also been linked to dementia.

Now a new study by King’s College London has found airborne pollution may exacerbate mental health disorders. Data on 13,800 patients who attended mental health services in South London between 2008 and 2012 was compared with the levels of pollution around their home addresses.

The results showed that a relatively small increase in levels of nitrogen dioxide (of 15 micrograms) was linked to an 18% increase in the risk of being admitted to hospital in a year. Higher levels of small particle pollution were associated with an 11% risk.