Breathing dirty air even for an hour could have long-term harmful effects on brain, according to a new study. A team of researchers at Zuyd University in Holland has carried out thestudy and found that nanoparticles present in exhaust fumes, which reach thebrain when inhaled, play a major role in altering the way the human brainfunctions, Health news reported.According to lead researcher Paul Borm, “We can only speculate what these effects may mean for the chronic exposure to air pollution encountered in busy cities where the levels of such soot particles (nanoparticles) can be very high. “It is conceivable that the long-term effects of exposure to trafficnanoparticles may interfere with normal brain function and informationprocessing.”
The researchers came to the conclusion after they analysed the brainfunctions of a group of ten volunteers who were asked to spend an hour in a room filled either with clean air or exhaust from a diesel engine. Which is indicative of a change in the way information is being processed in the brain cortex. This effect continued after they were no longer in the room, the researchers found.
Courtesy: The News, Tuesday, March 18, 2008
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