Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Air pollution may be linked to a higher risk of suicide, suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts, according to a new international review of research. Scientists found that exposure to some common air pollutants, particularly fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, was associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviour.
The findings come from researchers at Queen’s University Belfast, who looked at existing evidence on how different forms of environmental pollution may affect suicide risk. Their study examined air pollution as well as noise, light and water pollution.
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The researchers conducted a meta analysis of 29 studies and found evidence linking exposure to small airborne particles and nitrogen dioxide with suicide and suicidal behaviour. A further review of 16 studies suggested that other pollutants, including sulphur dioxide and ozone, as well as noise pollution, may also be associated with increased suicide risk.
However, researchers stressed that the findings show an association and do not prove that pollution directly causes suicidal thoughts or behaviour.
FINE PARTICLES AND NITROGEN DIOXIDE SHOWED A LINK
The strongest findings in the review involved small particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide.
Fine particulate matter consists of tiny particles that can remain suspended in the air and enter deep into the lungs. Some particles can also enter the bloodstream after being inhaled. Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant commonly produced by combustion, including emissions from vehicles and other sources.
The analysis found that exposure to these pollutants was associated with a higher risk of suicide death, suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts.
The researchers said these findings add to existing evidence showing that environmental pollution can be associated with poorer mental health. However, they also noted that more research is needed to understand the relationship.
OTHER FORMS OF POLLUTION NEED MORE RESEARCH
The researchers also looked at other environmental pollutants.
A narrative review of 16 additional studies suggested possible links between suicide risk and exposure to pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and ozone. Noise pollution was also associated with a higher suicide risk in some studies.
However, the evidence was not clear for all forms of environmental pollution. The researchers said there was not enough consistent evidence to establish a clear relationship between suicide risk and light or water pollution.
This means the findings should be interpreted carefully rather than suggesting that every type of pollution increases suicide risk.
EXPERTS WARN AGAINST ASSUMING CAUSE AND EFFECT
Several experts have urged caution while interpreting the findings.
Dr Jon Van Niekerk, chair of the general adult faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said the research suggested that some forms of air pollution may be associated with a small increase in suicidal behaviour. However, he said the study did not establish that air pollution itself caused suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.
He pointed out that air pollution is closely connected with other factors that can affect mental health, including socioeconomic deprivation, urban living, physical health and housing conditions.
Dr Rosie Cornish, senior research fellow in epidemiology and health data science at the University of Bristol, also highlighted the possibility that other factors could explain the relationship observed in the studies.
Professor Stephen Burgess, professor of biostatistics at the University of Cambridge, similarly said the research showed associations rather than proof of causation. He noted that areas with higher pollution may differ in several other ways that could influence suicide risk.
POLLUTION MAY BE A PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN
The researchers said their findings suggest that environmental exposures could be considered as part of wider suicide prevention and public health strategies.
They called for greater cooperation between environmental health and mental health services, along with efforts to reduce harmful pollution.
At the same time, experts stressed that suicide is complex and can be influenced by many different social, psychological, economic and health related factors. Pollution should therefore not be viewed as a standalone explanation for suicidal behaviour or as a tool for predicting an individual’s suicide risk.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 720,000 people die by suicide globally each year. Suicide is also among the leading causes of death among young people aged 15 to 29.
The new research adds another possible environmental factor to the discussion around suicide and mental health, but further studies will be needed to determine whether pollution directly contributes to suicide risk and, if so, how that relationship works.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
