It disproportionately affects women.
A recent study suggests that traffic-related air pollution may contribute to depression in women, beyond the stress caused by being stuck in traffic. Published on January 21 in the journal Menopause, the research indicates that exposure to vehicle pollution can increase the risk of depression, potentially through its effects on women’s menstrual cycles.
The study, led by Anwesha Pan, a graduate student at the University of Washington, found that traffic-related air pollution was linked to longer menstrual cycles, which in turn was associated with a higher risk of depression. The researchers also pointed out that these effects could be more severe for women from minority or lower-income backgrounds, as they often live closer to high-traffic areas.
Researchers followed nearly 700 healthy women of reproductive age in Northern California to assess the impact of vehicle exhaust exposure. By comparing their residential locations to state traffic data, they discovered a significant correlation between higher exposure to traffic pollution and an increase in depressive symptoms. Women who experienced longer or fluctuating menstrual cycles also reported higher rates of depression.
Certain pollutants from car exhaust are known to mimic estrogen, a hormone that plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle. This disruption to hormonal balance could help explain the link between air pollution and depression, as fluctuating estrogen levels have been previously associated with a higher risk of depression.
The study also highlighted the broader implications for health disparities, particularly in poor and minority communities located near busy highways. The researchers found that higher socioeconomic status (SES) was linked to a lower risk of depression, raising concerns that lower SES individuals are disproportionately affected by both air pollution and its associated mental health risks.
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