EU Public Health Week 2023 – Air Pollution and Mental Health

The European Public Health Week 2023 (European Public Health Week) started today, May 22, 2023, with the theme “Mental health for all.”

This theme prompted us at Marquis Commerce, as air quality experts, to ask a direct question: Does air pollution affect mental health?

Unfortunately, yes.

Why This Matters Globally

“Unfortunately,” matters because this is not a rare risk. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 99% of the world’s population breathes air that exceeds WHO guideline limits. So, most people face this exposure every day.

How Particulate Pollution Harms Mental Health

Although researchers still study this field, the evidence already shows several clear pathways.

First, particulate air pollution increases oxidative stress. It also triggers systemic inflammation. As a result, it can worsen depression and anxiety (Calderon-Garciduenas et al. 2003; Sorensen et al. 2003; Mohan Kumar et al. 2008; Salim et al. 2012; Power et al. 2015).

>> SEE ALSO: 11 Questions and Answers: How PM2.5 Particles Affect Health

When Physical Illness Deepens Emotional Strain

Second, the smallest particles damage physical health. They raise the risk of respiratory and cardiac disease (Delfino 2002; EPA 2008, 2009; Ling & van Eeden 2009). Then, chronic illness often increases emotional burden. Therefore, depression and anxiety become more likely or more severe (Brenes 2003; Scott et al. 2007; Iohannes et al. 2010; Spitzer et al. 2011).

Early Signals Around Dementia

Third, researchers increasingly connect air pollution with cognitive decline. In fact, several studies suggest polluted air may increase dementia risk. So, the mental impact does not stop at mood disorders.

Evidence From Recent Research

For example, Cao, Z., Zhou, J., Li, M. et al., in the January 2023 paper “Urbanites’ mental health is undermined by air pollution” show harm from both short-term and long-term exposure (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-022-01032-1). In other words, pollution does not need decades to leave a mark. It can affect stress, mood, and emotional stability even in shorter time windows.

Behavioural Effects That Add Pressure

Air pollution also changes behaviour. When outdoor air becomes unsafe, people stay indoors longer—consequently, physical activity drops. Social contact can fall too. Over time, this lifestyle shift can amplify anxiety, low mood, and emotional fatigue.

The Takeaway

Mental health is a growing public health concern. At the same time, air pollution remains one of the most significant environmental threats worldwide. Because of this overlap, many scientists now stress a practical point: when we reduce air pollution, we protect not only lungs and hearts — we protect minds as well.

>> SEE ALSO: Prioritise mental health in the workplace

This article is part of the “Air Pollution and Health” series, in which Marquis Intelligence, as a socially responsible company, raises awareness about the harmful impact of polluted air on human health.
Document: MC-AP&H-001.23 – European Public Health Week 2023 – Air Pollution and Mental Health.