Reducing pollution in alignment with the EU Zero Pollution action plan may enhance mental health across Europe, as stated in an EEA briefing released today. The report examines connections between air pollution, noise, and chemical pollution with mental health issues and suggests potential actions, including the positive impact of nature-based solutions on mental well-being.
Scientific studies are increasingly identifying a significant association between exposure to pollution (particularly air, noise, and chemicals) and mental health issues, though further research is needed to establish clear causal links, according to the EEA briefing ‘Pollution and mental health: current scientific evidence’. Mental health disorders arise from numerous factors (genetics, social and economic determinants, psychological, lifestyle, etc.), some of which remain poorly understood. Pollution is being increasingly studied as a contributing factor.
Over the past 25 years, Europe has seen a notable rise in the prevalence and incidence of mental health disorders. In the EU in 2023, mental health disorders were the sixth largest burden of disease and ranked as the eighth most common cause of death.
The briefing provides several examples where pollution correlates with mental health issues:
Air pollution:
- Outdoor air pollution at critical stages of brain development—such as in utero, childhood, and early adolescence—is associated with structural and functional brain changes.
- Long-term exposure to poor air quality (mainly PM2.5 and NO2) is linked to an increased prevalence or risk of new-onset depression.
- Short-term exposure peaks are linked to worsening schizophrenia symptoms.
Environmental noise:
- Road-traffic noise correlates with a small increase in the risk of depression (3%) and anxiety (2%).
- Exposure to environmental noise is associated with a higher prevalence of behavioral issues in children, affecting their mental well-being.
- There is a significant 2.2% increase in suicide rates per 10dB increase in railway noise.
- A meta-analysis found a 12% increase in depression risk per 10dB Lden increase in aircraft noise.
Chemicals:
- Prenatal or childhood exposure to Pb is associated with both depression and schizophrenia.
- Second-hand smoke exposure consistently links to depression and schizophrenia, particularly in vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
- Studies found an association between prenatal BPA exposure and depression, as well as anxiety, in childhood.
While additional research is needed to clarify causality, existing evidence supports the full implementation of EU legislation and further reductions in pollution exposure.
The findings underscore the importance of the One Health approach, which acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Beyond pollution reduction, nature-based solutions can promote mental health, physical activity, and social cohesion through access to green and blue spaces. Nature-based therapeutic approaches, developed in recent decades, such as gardening, green exercise, and forest bathing, have shown some beneficial effects on mental health.
Achieving the EU Zero Pollution Action Plan’s objectives by reducing pollution and increasing access to nature could improve mental well-being for millions of Europeans.
Related content can be found here: Climate change impacts on mental health in Europe; Impact of air pollution on mental health (signal).
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