Air pollution may slow teens’ brain development
Air pollution may slow teens’ brain development E&E News by POLITICO
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Effects of Air Pollution on Brain Development
A recently released study conducted by European researchers has found that exposure to two common air pollutants during childhood may have a detrimental effect on a key feature of brain development into adolescence.
The study, which contributes to the growing body of evidence on the neurological effects of air pollution, followed over 1,300 Dutch youngsters who were born between early 2002 and 2006.
Based on brain scans conducted at ages 10 and 14, the researchers discovered a correlation between increasing concentrations of airborne nitrogen oxides and particulate matter during early childhood and delayed development of a marker for cerebral “white matter.” This white matter is responsible for facilitating communication between different parts of the brain.
“Even if the size of the effects were small, this can have a meaningful impact on a population scale,” emphasized Mònica Guxens, a scientist at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, in a news release summarizing the paper’s conclusions.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Indicator: Proportion of urban population living in areas where air quality meets WHO guidelines.
Analysis
The article discusses the impact of air pollution on brain development in children. Based on this information, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Target 3.9 aims to reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air pollution. The article highlights the neurological effects of air pollution on brain development, indicating a connection to this target. The indicator for this target would be the number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Target 11.6 focuses on reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, including air quality. The article emphasizes the impact of air pollution on brain development in children, highlighting the need to address air quality in urban areas. The indicator for this target would be the proportion of the urban population living in areas where air quality meets WHO guidelines.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Proportion of urban population living in areas where air quality meets WHO guidelines. |
Source: eenews.net
