Fact Check: Two Hours of Exposure to Air Pollution Can Cause Brain Damage

RADARLAMPUNG.CO.ID, BANDAR LAMPUNG - Traffic pollution is linked to health problems. In fact, one study found that inhaling exhaust fumes, even for a few hours, can impair the cognitive function of the brain.

Launching the Daily Mail page on February 16, 2023, researchers in Canada said that the damage caused significant changes in just 2 hours.

Air pollution not only erodes nervous health but also increases the risk of death.

In a study published in the journal Environmental Health, researchers at the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria revealed that subjects, consisting of 25 people aged 19–49 years, were exposed to two different types of air: clean, filtered air and contaminated air. exhaust at different times for 120 minutes.

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During that time, study subjects rode a stationary bicycle with a light effort for about 15 minutes to increase inhalation.

All subjects underwent pre- and post-exposure MRI scans to monitor brain activity at different stages.

As a result, researchers found that inhaling diesel exhaust could reduce functional connectivity. This function affects the part of the brain that regulates human interaction as well as communication.

Dr. Chris Carlsten, a senior study author, said people may want to think twice the next time they are stuck in traffic with the window open.

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"It's important to make sure your car's air filter is working properly, and if you're walking or cycling on a busy street, consider changing to a less congested route," he says.

The researchers specifically focused on changes to the brain's default mode network (DMN). This is a group of brain regions that are more active during passive tasks than during tasks that require focused external attention.

Damage to the DMN affects several areas of the brain, including the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, inferior parietal lobe, lateral temporal cortex, and the hippocampal formation.

Activity in the DMN spikes when we are awake and not engaged in certain activities.

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