We’re just learning how exposure to air pollution degrades our brains

New research by economics professors Jonathan Ketcham, Kelly Bishop, and Nicolai Kuminoff found that increased, incremental exposure to fine particles called PM2.5 over the course of a decade increases the chances of a dementia diagnosis.

Around the world, invisible gases, droplets of liquids, and tiny particles combine in the atmosphere from manufacturing and transportation activities, constantly taking a toll on our health — from causing asthma and other respiratory diseases to eye irritations and skin issues. According to a working paper released last month, "Hazed and Confused," there's one more reason to worry about this mixture of chemicals in the air.

In this article Sept. 5, 2018, on Quartz :

What our results show is the 10 percent increase in the level of pollution that a person faces over a decade increases dementia by about the same as the risk of having hypertension.

– Jonathan Ketcham, who is a health care economist and the Earl G. and Gladys C. Davis Distinguished Research Professor in Business