Pollution Threats: Nervous System Damage And Health Risks

Air pollution can cause damage to the nervous system, leading to neurological disorders and diseases. It is comprised of ambient particulate matter (PM) of different sizes, gases, organic compounds, and metals. Traffic-related air pollution, mostly ascribed to diesel exhaust, is an important contributor to PM. Exposure to air pollution may be associated with multiple adverse effects on the central nervous system, including oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation.

Oxidative stress

Air pollution can cause diverse neurological disorders as a result of oxidative stress. This is a process that occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to detoxify their harmful effects through neutralisation by antioxidants.

Further research is needed to fully understand the biological mechanisms by which air pollution produces neurological disease, but the current evidence indicates that oxidative stress is a key factor.

Neuro-inflammation

Air pollution can cause damage to the nervous system. It is comprised of ambient particulate matter (PM) of different sizes, gases, organic compounds, and metals. Traffic-related air pollution, mostly ascribed to diesel exhaust (DE), is an important contributor to PM.

The exact mechanisms underlying brain pathology induced by air pollution are not fully understood. However, several lines of current evidence point out that neuro-inflammation might be one of the primary pathways. Epidemiological, observational, clinical, and experimental studies have described a link between air pollution and neurological diseases or neurodevelopmental disturbances.

In addition to the nervous system, air pollution can also affect other systems in the body, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, and digestive systems.

Behavioural abnormalities

Air pollution is comprised of ambient particulate matter (PM) of different sizes, gases, organic compounds, and metals. Traffic-related air pollution, mostly ascribed to diesel exhaust, is an important contributor to PM. Epidemiological and animal studies have shown that exposure to air pollution may be associated with multiple adverse effects on the central nervous system.

Oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation are the most prominent effects of air pollution on the nervous system. These effects can be caused by the physical characteristics of the particle itself or by toxic compounds that adsorb on the particles. Neuronal cell damage caused by fine dust, especially in fetuses and infants, can cause permanent brain damage or lead to neurological disease in adulthood.

The exact mechanisms underlying brain pathology induced by air pollution are not fully understood, but several lines of current evidence point out that neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, glial activation, and cerebrovascular damage might be the primary pathways.

Cerebrovascular damage

Air pollution can cause damage to the nervous system in several ways, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, glial activation, and cerebrovascular damage.

The cerebrovascular system is responsible for supplying blood to the brain, and damage to this system can have serious consequences. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain, and without a sufficient supply, brain cells can become damaged or die. This can lead to a variety of neurological disorders, including stroke, dementia, and movement disorders.

In addition, cerebrovascular damage can also increase the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. This is because the cerebrovascular and cardiovascular systems are closely linked, and damage to one can often affect the other.

While the exact mechanisms underlying cerebrovascular damage induced by air pollution are not yet fully understood, it is clear that this type of pollution can have serious and far-reaching consequences for human health. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of air pollution on the cerebrovascular system and to develop effective strategies for preventing and mitigating its effects.

Air pollution and CNS disease

Air pollution can cause damage to the nervous system and contribute to central nervous system diseases. It is comprised of ambient particulate matter (PM) of different sizes, gases, organic compounds, and metals. Traffic-related air pollution, mostly ascribed to diesel exhaust, is an important contributor to PM.

Oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation are the most prominent effects caused by air pollution and are seen in both humans and animals. These effects are supported by in vitro studies. Other adverse effects on the central nervous system include a variety of behavioural abnormalities.

In addition to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, the central nervous system has emerged as an important target for air pollution toxicity. Systemic inflammatory changes caused by air pollution are associated with a consistent increased risk for cardiovascular events.

Neuronal cell damage caused by fine dust, especially in fetuses and infants, can cause permanent brain damage or lead to neurological disease in adulthood.

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