Air Pollution Effects On Brain:  You must be aware of how much damage air pollution can cause to health. Due to this, the lungs suffer the most damage, but the list does not end here. Due to long-term exposure to air pollution, your brain can also be damaged a lot, especially children (Childhood Air Pollution Effects). 

Breathing polluted air since childhood can cause serious damage to the brain. Some studies have revealed some shocking facts related to this. Long-term exposure to air pollution in childhood increases the risk of dementia when grown up. Let's know about this. 

How does it damage the brain?

Air pollutants contain small particles that easily enter the lungs and get mixed in the blood. These particles can also reach the brain and cause inflammation there. Inflammation damages brain cells and reduces memory, thinking and reasoning ability. Due to this, the risk of dementia increases significantly .

Due to air pollution, the amount of PM2.5 and nitrogen oxide in the air increases significantly. These are such small particles that they enter the lungs and get mixed in the blood. They can reach any part of the body through the blood and cause harm. 

Why is there more risk in children?

• Developing brain – Children’s brains are still developing and are more affected by pollution.
• Long-term exposure – Long-term exposure to pollution in childhood can have lasting effects on the brain.
• Blood-brain barrier – The blood-brain barrier is not fully developed in children, due to which pollutants can easily enter the brain.

How can we protect ourselves? 

• Always wear an N-95 or N-99 mask when you are going to a polluted area.
• Use an air purifier in your home. These devices clean the air by removing airborne pollutants.
• If pollution is high, avoid going out as much as possible. 
• Open the windows of the house regularly, so that fresh air can come in.
• Do not burn candles, incense sticks etc. in the house . 
• Clean the curtains and carpets of the house regularly.
• Plant trees in and around the house. 
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods help your body fight pollution.