Short- and long-term effects of outdoor air pollution on neurological and mental disorders: an opportunity to conduct a quantitative health impact assessment

Introduction: A growing number of epidemiological studies are examining the link between exposure to outdoor air pollution and neurological disorders. The objective of this study is to update the current knowledge on this topic and assess the feasibility of a quantitative health impact assessment (QHIA) in France. Method: A search of the PubMed database was conducted from January 2000 to December 2019, linking the short- and long-term impacts of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, NOx, and O3 with mental or behavioral disorders and diseases of the nervous system, according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). The aim was to collect, for each disease-pollutant pair, the most recent meta-analysis and/or literature review as well as subsequent individual studies, and to classify them according to the level of evidence. The most relevant concentration-risk relationships (or relative risks) were selected, and incidence or prevalence data available in France were sought to enable the development of a potential Eqis. Results: Regarding long-term exposure to PM2.5, studies report the strongest concentration-risk relationships for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) (RR: 1.68 (95% CI: 1.20; 2.34)) in children from the perinatal period up to age 8, as well as for prenatal exposure (RR: 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01; 1.11)), depressive disorders (RR: 1.12 (95% CI: 0.97; 1.29)), dementia (RR: 3.26 (95% CI: 1.20; 5.31)) in adults over 50 years of age, and Parkinson’s disease (RR: 1.06 (95% CI: 0.99; 1.14)) in adults over 40 years of age. In France, the relevant health indicators currently available in the National Health Data System (SNDS) database are the prevalence of ASD and the incidence of Parkinson’s disease. Discussion: Following a review of the literature and the indicators available in France, an Eqis feasibility study may be considered for the pair of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and the prevalence of ASD, and the incidence of Parkinson’s disease. These recommendations will be reviewed as part of Santé publique France’s Air and Health monitoring program as knowledge evolves and health indicators become available in France. However, it is important to note that the evidence from the literature and the availability of data for France regarding a relationship between neurological disorders and exposure to air pollution are not at the same level as the relationship between cardiovascular or respiratory diseases and exposure to air pollution.

Author(s): Durou Amélie

Publishing year: 2021

Pages: 48 p.

Collection: Studies and Surveys

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