Pollution Poisons the Mind: Delhi's Air Threatens Brain Health

Air pollution in Delhi has evolved into a significant hazard for brain health and mental well-being, presenting risks beyond its known respiratory and cardiovascular impacts. Exposure to pollutants, particularly PM2.5, allows toxic particles to breach the blood-brain barrier. Once in the brain, these particles initiate inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, interfering with normal neurological functions.

This environmental stressor amplifies the body's biological stress response, disrupting essential neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are vital for regulating mood, sleep patterns, and emotional equilibrium. Consequently, prolonged exposure to smoggy conditions in highly polluted cities like Delhi can manifest as heightened anxiety, lower mood, increased irritability, and depressive symptoms.

The detrimental effects extend to cognitive functions, including attention, memory, and processing speed. Reduced oxygen levels and brain inflammation in key learning areas contribute to pervasive 'brain fog,' resulting in poor concentration and mental fatigue. Sustained exposure to polluted air is also linked to a gradual decline in cognitive abilities, increasing susceptibility to neurological diseases.