New research suggests that depression and suicide may be linked to air pollution

People living with air pollution may be at higher risk of depression and suicide. New research published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives included data from 16 countries.

The researchers from University College London linked depression with air pollution particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) and found that people exposed to an increase of 10 micrograms per cubic metre (ug/m3) in the level of PM2.5 for a year or more had a 10% higher risk of developing depression. Note that in 2017 the average PM2.5 level in UK cities was 13ug/m3.

The available data on suicide risk was for particles ranging up to 10 micrometers (PM10). The researchers found that a short term effect of a 10ug/m3 increase over 3 days was linked to a 2% risk of suicide.

The researchers took account of factors that might effect mental health including, income, home location, education, employment, smoking and obesity.

NOTE:  The World Health Organization and The International Agency for Research on Cancer have designated PM2.5 particles as a Group 1 carcinogen.