A revealing study
Rename researchers from the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute and the Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute have published a study that highlights the influence of air pollution and the availability of green spaces on the emotional well -being of the youngest. The results obtained an alarming perspective on the mental health of children, revealing that exposure to pollutant particles such as PM10 can increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Green areas: a necessary shelter
Interestingly, the study also emphasizes the positive effects that the green areas may have on children. The presence of parks and gardens less than a hundred meters from schools is associated with a significant decrease in aggressive behaviors, with impacts that have up to four years after the exposure. These spaces not only reduce stress, but also foster physical activity and social interactions, key components for healthy emotional development.
Details of the investigation
The project has involved a total of 4,485 children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 18, from 48 educational institutions in Catalonia. Researchers have analyzed their exposure to pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, as well as proximity to green areas, monitoring for periods of one to four years before evaluating mental health through family questionnaires.
An urgent message for the future
Despite the influence of factors such as genetics, the study has not found significant variations in relation to sex, age or socioeconomic status. The authors of the research make an urgent call for the reduction of pollution and the improvement of air quality, as well as the creation of green spaces, especially near the schools, in order to protect the mental health of children.
A need for continuing search
Experts emphasize the importance of continuing to research the connection between pollution and mental health in children to develop effective strategies that promote a healthier environment for future generations. Children’s emotional health is a topic that requires immediate attention and specific actions.