空气污染对认知功能与心理健康的损害

Exposure to Air pollution impairs cognitive function and psychological well-being

空气污染会对神经系统、脑功能及认知功能造成损害,且伤害多集中于儿童、老年人、慢性病患者等易感人群。空气污染会降低主观幸福感,导致焦虑、抑郁情绪,甚至增加自杀风险。不同的污染源影响认知与心理健康的生理机制是不同的。除生理机制外,空气污染也会通过媒体表征间接地对个体或群体产生心理影响,且影响的严重性程度与社会脆弱性和心理韧性有关。未来研究需进一步探索空气污染损害神经系统和认知功能的发病机理,空气污染对中国民众心理健康的具体影响及在不同社会群体上的不平等性,并针对特定人群发展有效的心理干预措施。

Exposure to air pollution may impair nervous system, brain function and cognitive function, particularly for susceptible groups like children, elderly adults and patients with chronic diseases. It may also reduce subjective well-being, cause anxiety and depression, and even increase suicide risks. The physiological mechanisms of different pollutants‘ influences on cognition and psychological well-being are different. Apart from physiological mechanisms, air pollution can also generate psychological impacts on individuals or groups indirectly through media representation, and the severity of these impacts is associated with social vulnerability and resilience. Future studies should explore the pathogenesis of nervous system impairment and cognitive impairment caused by air pollution exposure, explore the influence of air pollution on the psychological well-being of Chinese citizens and its underlying inequality among different social groups, and then develop effective psychological intervention measures.