Pollution and Health

A study published today adds [blank] evidence that air pollution may be linked to mental health conditions. But it's not clear yet how - and if - pollution may be affecting our brains. Analyzing data [blank] 151 million people in the US and 1.4 million people in Denmark, researchers have found that there is a strong correlation [blank] poor air quality and higher rates of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders and major depression. This suggests there is a link, but not necessarily that pollution [blank] causing these conditions. When the team looked at health insurance claims in the U.S., they found that the strongest predictor of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder - after ethnicity - was air quality. Previous studies have unearthed a correlation [blank] the UK between polluted areas, with teenagers reporting psychotic experiences, local air pollution and psychiatric disorders in Swedish children.