Exposure to Air pollution:- ‘A cause of Autism and Schizophrenia’

Exposure to ambient air pollution is a serious and common public health concern associated with growing morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the last decades, the adverse effects of air pollution on the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems have been well established.

Recently, a new study from the University of Rochester Medical Center describes how exposure to air pollution early in life produces neurological disorder in the brain, including an enlargement of part of the brain that is seen in humans having autism and schizophrenia. It explains the elevated levels of glutamate, a neurotransmitter. Such children demonstrate traits like abnormal behavior patterns, restricted social behavior and impaired verbal communication.

When air particulate matter and their components such as metals are inhaled or swallowed, they pass through damaged barriers including the blood-brain barriers leading to long-lasting harmful effects.

There are a range of interventions that could be used for improving air quality standards in your buildings like opting for proper heating, ventilating, air-conditioning (HVAC) system designed with filters with a minimum efficiency reporting value. Also, Quality IEQ through Good Design, Construction, Renovation and O&M Practices taking care of the standards that should at least meet or exceed ASHRAE Standard 62.1: Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality for reducing humidity indoors.