It is well known that exposure to high levels of air pollutants raises the risk of physical illnesses such as respiratory infections, lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, dementia and Alzheimer. However, there are new studies suggesting that air pollution is responsible for mental illnesses too.
Back in 1970 Lead Pb (from the Latin plumbum) was used to be added in the petrol fossil fuel, as a result, it was later associated for contributing to behavioral problems, learning difficulties and lowered IQ among children.
In recent years, Sulphur Dioxide SO2, has been associated with a high risk of hospital admissions for mental disorders in Shanghai.
In another study, which has been conducted in California in 2017, they found a correlation between Particulate Matter PM2.5 air pollutants and adolescent delinquent behavior, of course, the relationships between parents and children play a key rule too.
It is now believed that the exposure to air pollutants can cause inflammation in the brain. In addition, fine particulate matter PM2.5 and PM1.0 can damage neural networks and influence behavior.
Today, scientists are able to predict Criminal Activity & Unethical Behavior by using air pollution variables. Their conclusion is: Air pollution not only corrupts people’s health, but also can contaminate their morality.
Finally, by comparing data for 1.8 milion crimes over two years with air pollution, temperature, humidity and rainfall data from London’s streets they came to the conclusion that levels of crime in London are higher on the most polluted days.
References
https://mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/08/11/air-pollution-causes-brain-damage/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2743793/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10802-017-0367-5
https://theconversation.com/air-pollution-increases-crime-in-cities-heres-how-95975
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797617735807
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