Dirty air increases the risk of mental illness

Can the air we breathe affect our mental health? Scientists believe that, yes.

Scientists from the University of Chicago conducted a long-term study in the United States and Denmark. They have found a link between air pollution and mental health. For example, in the areas of both countries with particularly dirty air recorded more cases depression and bipolar personality disorder.

In Denmark, this effect is even more pronounced. Living in a place with polluted air between the ages of 0 and 10 years, two increased the risk of schizophrenia and personality disorders.

The scientists analyzed two sets of data from the two countries. The first received from the database US health insurance for 11 years. It all complaints and appeals 151 million people in the course of their lives. Second - similar data on 1.4 million people born in 1979-2002, who for 10 years continued to live in Denmark.

air pollution levels taken in accordance with environmental standards accepted in the country. They keep track of which areas were the respondents in the selected period using data of ID-card.