Research by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) in Ireland has revealed the detrimental effects of prolonged burning of solid fuels like coal, peat, and wood on the mental wellbeing of the elderly. This negative correlation is conspicuously evident in those residing in Ireland.
One of the gravest forms of air pollution, known as PM2.5 or fine particulate matter, is often associated with such fuel burning. This pollutant has the ability to invade and inflict harm on a person’s respiratory system, leading to severe diseases such as chronic lung conditions and cancer.
Furthermore, the study hints towards possible evidence that these small particles could infiltrate one’s bloodstream, potentially causing numerous health issues. The surge in average annual PM2.5 levels is notably linked with an increase in mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, the study’s co-authors highlight.
The above conclusions were deduced from data accumulated from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (Tilda) which paired the impact on mental health with the annual average levels of fine particulate matter from 1998 to 2014. This credible study presents a comprehensive national representation of Irish citizens aged 50 and above who are surveyed biennially.
During this 17 year span, the median annual PM2.5 level experienced by Tilda participants was 7.7 μg/m3, fluctuating between five and 12, with the majority subjected to levels within the 5-7 μg/m3 range.
Levels like these are substantially lower when placed in an international context against countries such as Poland and Bulgaria, which recorded annual average levels surpassing 25 μg/m3 in 2014. However, they still cross the annual exposure criterion of 5 μg/m3 set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Lastly, the ESRI’s research implies a possibility that diverse aspects of mental health could be affected by factors like the duration of exposure or the particular kind of pollutant. Nonetheless, it was unable to establish a connection between PM2.5 pollution over the long term and other mental health and wellbeing indicators like stress, worry, and overall quality of life.
Professor Anne Nolan, one of the authors of the study, indicated that their findings contribute to the growing evidence supporting the harmful impacts of air pollution even at minor levels of exposure. She elucidated that the recent Irish Clean Air Strategy is targeted towards achieving the WHO air quality standards by 2040. Prof Nolan underlined the need of considerable efforts to achieve this objective. This will require decarbonising domestic heating systems, along with initiatives to lessen pollution emanating from industries, transportation and farming sectors. This research, titled ‘Long-term exposure to PM2.5 air pollution and mental health: a retrospective cohort study in Ireland’, was part of a larger programme scrutinising environmental socioeconomics. The research programme, spanning 2021 to 2030, is financed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).