Wildfire smoke, other air pollution can harm brain health, expert says
Wildfire smoke, other air pollution can harm brain health, expert says Environmental Factor Newsletter
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In recent weeks, wildfires and air quality have raised concerns
Recent wildfires in Canada have caused poor air quality in the United States, drawing attention to the potential health effects. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is actively involved in researching the impact of climate-related events, such as wildfires, on human health. NIEHS is leading the National Institutes of Health Climate Change and Health Initiative, which aims to advance critical research in this area.
Research on air pollution and neurodevelopmental disorders
At the Human Health and the Environment Research Symposium at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Dr. Deborah Cory-Slechta, a long-time NIEHS grant recipient, presented her research on the potential connections between air pollution and neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Cory-Slechta’s work focuses on understanding how environmental agents can affect brain development and influence disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Her research highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of air pollution on the brain.
Links between air pollution and neurological disorders
Research has shown associations between air pollution and various neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and multiple sclerosis. However, there are still many unanswered questions, and further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms by which air pollution affects the brain. Dr. Cory-Slechta’s work focuses on ultrafine particles, which are small enough to bypass the blood-brain barrier and directly enter the brain.
Studying the effects of ultrafine particles
Dr. Cory-Slechta’s research team uses rodent models to investigate the potential effects of ultrafine particles on brain development. They have a unique facility that allows them to study real-world exposure to these particles and assess their impact on development. Their studies have shown that male brains may be more vulnerable to early exposures to ultrafine particles, while both sexes are affected by exposures during different developmental periods. The team is also investigating the specific components of air pollution, such as metals, that may be harmful to the brain.
Understanding the removal of metals from the brain
One area of interest for Dr. Cory-Slechta’s team is understanding how excess iron and other metals can be removed from the brain. They have discovered structures called corpora amylacea, which appear to remove neuronal debris from the brain. These structures contain both exogenous and endogenous iron after exposure to iron particles. However, there is still much to learn about how these structures function and whether they can effectively remove metals from the brain.
Overall, Dr. Cory-Slechta’s research highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of air pollution on neurological disorders. By understanding the specific mechanisms and components of air pollution that contribute to these disorders, researchers can work towards developing strategies to protect public health.
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 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
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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.
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SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
- Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type.
Analysis
The article addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their corresponding targets:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the potential health effects of poor air quality caused by wildfires. This is connected to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. Specifically, Target 3.9 focuses on reducing deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air pollution. The article highlights the research being conducted on the links between air pollution and neurological disorders, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neurodevelopmental challenges.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article mentions the National Institutes of Health Climate Change and Health Initiative, which aims to advance research into how climate-related weather events, including wildfires, may affect human health. This initiative is connected to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Target 13.1 specifically aims to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the impact of wildfires on air pollution and the potential harm it can cause to human health. This is connected to SDG 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Target 15.1 specifically aims to ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
The article also mentions specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution
This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.9 of SDG 3. It measures the number of deaths attributed to air pollution caused by households and ambient sources. The article highlights the potential health effects of poor air quality caused by wildfires, which can contribute to this mortality rate.
Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population
This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 13.1 of SDG 13. It measures the impact of climate-related hazards and natural disasters on human populations. The article discusses the potential health effects of wildfires, which can lead to deaths and directly affect individuals living in affected areas.
Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type
This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 15.1 of SDG 15. It measures the extent to which important sites for biodiversity are protected. The article mentions the impact of wildfires on terrestrial ecosystems and the need to ensure the conservation and restoration of these ecosystems.
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. | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. |
| 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. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type. |
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: factor.niehs.nih.gov
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