Linking Air Pollution And Accelerated Cognitive Aging

It has long been known that breathing polluted air has adverse effects on the body and overall health. Recent studies are focusing on ultrafine particles, particulate matter of nano-scale size (less than 0.1 μm or in diameter). Ultrafine particles are especially dangerous because they are so small that it is very difficult to capture and destroy them. HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance) are the most widely used filters for air cleaners. However, the HEPA filters can only capture particles up to 0.3 micron in size, which allows ultrafine particles to pass through and continue to circulate in the air. Exposure to ultrafine particles have been linked to cancer, heart disease and strokes.

Recent studies suggest that exposure to ultrafine particles can also harm the brain. Effects may include accelerating cognitive aging, and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. A 2022 study found in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences concluded that women age 74 and older had a lower risk of dementia when they were exposed to lower levels of fine particles (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over the course of a decade. Another study published by Environmental Science & Technology has found potential links between ultrafine particles created by combustion and dementia for young people living in polluted urban areas.

According to Bio Med Central, in the year 2000 there were 4.5 million people with Alzheimer’s disease in the US and it is projected 13.2 million will be affected by 2050. This is a startling and frightening number. Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, fatal brain disorder. The disease diminishes the quality of life of affected individuals and places a burden on the health care system. These new studies are not to be taken lightly and there is a need for continued research. This is a serious risk for the elderly population in the years to come.

While you can't control outdoor air quality on your own, you can absolutely control your indoor air quality. An Intellipure air purifier is your first line of defense against harmful ultrafine particles, viruses, mold, fungi, bacteria, and VOCs. Investing in an air purifier not only protects your health now, but also in the future.

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