How air pollution rewires young brains – and how parents can minimize the damage

[rangerrebew]

How air pollution rewires young brains – and how parents can minimize the damage
05/09/2025 / By Cassie B.



Air pollution may permanently harm children’s brain development, leading to cognitive deficits, behavioral issues, and mental health struggles later in life.
Studies link early exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 and NOx with attention disorders, lower academic performance, and increased risk of substance abuse in adolescence.
Brain scans reveal pollution disrupts white matter, causing developmental delays equivalent to five months, likely due to damage to myelin, the protective nerve sheath.
Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and Mediterranean diet staples can help counteract pollution’s oxidative stress and support detoxification.
Improving indoor air quality with HEPA filters, ventilation, and avoiding gas stoves can reduce exposure, while N95 masks offer protection on high-pollution days.

https://www.pollution.news/2025-05-09-air-pollution-rewires-young-brains-minimize-damage.html

[rangerrebew]

These scientists worry about pollution, maybe rightfully so.  But that picture with the article is the way things looked 60 -70 years ago.  The air today is pristine compared to that time and I'm a good example of not being diseased by it (well, maybe people can find better examples .  There were parts of cities in the industrial north where your car would look like it had been through a dust/dirt storm driving through the area.

[roamer_1]

It's not enough that y'all hardly ever get off the sidewalk... Or out of the car... Now you'd better lock them kids up in the house behind the HEPA filters.

You want to talk about rewiring young brains... Look at a big cat in a cage... and then do the same to your kids. 

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

These scientists worry about pollution, maybe rightfully so.  But that picture with the article is the way things looked 60 -70 years ago.  The air today is pristine compared to that time and I'm a good example of not being diseased by it (well, maybe people can find better examples .  There were parts of cities in the industrial north where your car would look like it had been through a dust/dirt storm driving through the area.

You are correct. 1970 was the worst year for air pollution in the United States. That's with far less people than we have today.