Paper: Air pollution via wildfire smoke increases suicide risk in rural counties

Air Pollution Linked to Increased Suicide Risk in Rural Areas, Study Finds

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A new study conducted by a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign economist reveals that air pollution, particularly from drifting wildfire smoke, has a significant impact on mental health and increases the risk of suicide among rural populations in the U.S. The research, which emphasizes the importance of addressing air pollution for sustainable development, found that a 10% increase in airborne particulate matter in rural counties leads to a 1.5% average rise in monthly suicide rates.

Impact of Air Pollution on Mental Health

The study, co-authored by David Molitor, a professor of finance at the Gies College of Business at Illinois, highlights the emerging evidence linking air pollution to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and suicide. With the expectation of more frequent and severe wildfires due to climate change and human development, understanding the impact of wildfire smoke pollution is crucial. The study emphasizes that air pollution not only affects physical health but also mental well-being.

Research Methodology and Findings

The research, to be published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analyzed data on all deaths by suicide, satellite-based measures of wildfire smoke, and ambient fine particulate matter concentrations in the U.S. from 2007-2019. By comparing fluctuations in county-level monthly smoke exposure with changes in suicide rates, the researchers identified a clear correlation between air quality and suicide risk.

The study revealed that the effects of air pollution on suicide rates were concentrated among specific demographic groups in rural areas. Rural white males of working age and rural adults with no college education were found to be at a higher risk. In contrast, no evidence was found to suggest that smoke pollution increases suicide risk among any urban demographic group.

Implications for Policy and Sustainable Development

The findings of this study have significant implications for identifying and protecting vulnerable groups, as well as accurately quantifying the costs of air pollution and wildfires. Policymakers must take into account the impact of air pollution on mental health and develop effective strategies to address this issue. The study also highlights the ongoing mental health crisis in the U.S., with suicide rates increasing by approximately 30% over the past two decades.

Addressing air pollution and its impact on mental health is crucial for both environmental and mental health policy. It is essential to develop strategies that protect vulnerable populations and increase resilience to poor air quality. This research underscores the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 13: Climate Action.

The study was supported by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health. David Molitor has been appointed as a 2023-24 associate at the Center for Advanced Study to further study climate-related environmental hazards.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
   • Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate.

2. 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 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted).

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

– Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

– 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.

– Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators are:

– Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate.

– Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted).

– Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.

The article discusses the relationship between air pollution and suicide risk, indicating the need to reduce suicide mortality rates (Indicator 3.4.2). It also highlights the impact of air pollution on mental health and the importance of paying attention to air quality in cities (Indicator 11.6.2). Additionally, it mentions the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires due to climate change, emphasizing the need to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards (Indicator 13.1.1).

By monitoring these indicators, progress can be measured in reducing suicide rates, improving air quality in cities, and enhancing resilience to climate-related hazards.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Please refer to the table provided above.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: news.illinois.edu

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