Air pollution is a threat to mental health

Exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased severity of mental illness, according to an in-depth study of the kind conducted by Joanne Newbery of the University of Bristol. The study, which involved 13,000 people in London, found that a relatively small increase in exposure to nitrogen dioxide resulted in a 32% increase in the risk of requiring community treatment and an 18% increase in risk of hospitalization. The researchers said the findings would likely apply to most cities in developed countries.