Exhaust fumes disrupt the brain, scientists have found

(ORDO NEWS) — A study by psychologists at the University of Victoria in Canada found that human brain function deteriorates when exposed to small amounts of diesel exhaust fumes.

For the study, scientists invited 25 healthy people. They were divided into two groups: the first was exposed to a small amount of exhaust gases for two hours, the second was exposed to filtered air.

Every 15 minutes, participants rode an exercise bike for 15 minutes. During the experiment, the scientists monitored the volunteers’ brain activity using MRI.

The results showed that exposure to diesel exhaust fumes led to a decrease in functional connectivity in the brain, and as a result, a decrease in cognitive abilities.

Although previous studies have shown that brain function improves with moderate physical activity, this did not work when exposed to polluted air.

It is noteworthy that the changes in the work of the brain were temporary, and after exposure to clean air, everything returned to normal.

“Air pollution is now recognized as the biggest environmental threat to human health.

We are sure that other air pollutants, such as smoke from fires, also negatively affect the brain.

This is probably one of the reasons for the increase in the number of patients with cognitive impairment,” the scientists concluded.

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