Researchers analyzed MRI brain scans of more than 9,000 children ages 9 to 10. They paid particular attention to the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the fronto-parietal lobes of the cerebral cortex, which are responsible for long-term memory.
Air quality indicators in their homes were also taken into account, including fine particulate matter PM2.5 concentration, nitrogen dioxide and surface ozone.
The results of the study showed that children exposed to higher levels of pollutants showed changes in the connections between different regions of the brain.
At the same time, it turns out that these brain activity connections are formed between the ages of 9 and 12 and can affect the normal cognitive and emotional development of adolescents.
Even at levels considered safe from air pollution, children are exposed to adverse effects during this critical period of development. This, in turn, can increase the risk of cognitive and emotional impairment in the future.
Source: Ferra
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
