Volunteers in England inhaled pollutants such as diesel and cleaning products in the name of science.
Thirteen brave souls took part in a scientific study at the University of Manchester that required them to wear masks connected to an air chamber that carefully fed them four types of pollutants to inhale, the BBC reported. Sometimes, they are given clean air.
This study aims to see the effects of smoke on the brain. While the effects of pollutants on the lungs and cardiovascular system are better known, fewer studies have focused on cognition.
The scientists called on volunteers with dementia or Alzheimer’s in their family history to help understand the link between pollution and the brain, according to the university.
“Over the past 10 years, we’ve started to see statistical associations between air pollution and a range of brain-related issues — from how children learn, how their cognition changes, to mental health and an increased risk of dementia,” Dr Ian Mudway, a nature toxicologist around who led the study, told the BBC.
Volunteers are breathing polluted air to test the effects on the brain as part of a University of Manchester study. AFP via Getty Images Studies have linked indoor and outdoor air pollutants to a range of health problems, including an increased risk of heart and lung disease and changes to brain health, according to the University of Manchester. Dr. Florian Gaertner Ian Mudway, an environmental toxicologist from Imperial College London, is one of the scientists leading the study on the effects of pollutants on brain health. Gresham College
“What we’re trying to do in this study is to actually do an experiment to understand why there is an association, to find out what the underlying biological mechanisms are that link air pollution to adverse effects on the human brain,” he said.
Researchers created four types of pollutants: diesel exhaust, wood smoke, cleaning products and cooking smoke.
Real engines are used for diesel exhaust and fried pork for cooking smoke.
Scientists are analyzing blood samples and cognitive tests taken before and after exposure.
Bryony Evans was one of 13 participants in a study looking at the effects of pollutants on the brain. BBC
“If they can get more data on things like this, I feel like it’s a very worthwhile use of my time to help with a study like this,” said Bryony Evens, one of the participants.
Some studies have suggested that indoor air pollution may be more dangerous than outdoor air pollution.
Almost the entire global population — 99% — breathes air that exceeds air quality limits and threatens their health, according to the World Health Organization.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
