Environmental and health experts in Ireland have supported findings of a British study that air pollution is “likely” to increase the risk of developing dementia and accelerated cognitive decline.
The UK government’s Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants published its findings last week after reviewing almost 70 studies that analysed how exposure to emissions affect the brain over time.
The 291-page report concludes that air pollution is “likely” to increase the risk of accelerated “cognitive decline” and of “developing dementia” in older people.
The acceptance of the term “likely” indicates wider acceptance in the scientific community of the causal link between air quality and ill health generally and bolsters the Government’s arguments for a State-wide ban on smoky fuels.
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Air pollution is a significant cause of premature death and disease, and is already accepted as causing 1,300-1,400 premature deaths in Ireland every year. Latest estimates by the European Environment Agency (EEA) show that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can be released by burning smoky coal, as well as wet wood and turf, continues to cause substantial health impacts.
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These include a wide range of diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma and lower respiratory infections, according to the EEA.
HSE expert on air quality and health Dr Keith Ian Quintyne said there was “substantial work in the published literature that highlights causality for development of dementia from exposure to poor ambient air quality”.
Dr Quintyne also drew attention to World Health Organisation reports that said there was “suggestive evidence” linking air pollution exposure with increased risk for cognitive impairment and neurological diseases.
The Dublin region has the highest number of premature deaths each year, at 30 per 100,000 of the population, according to an EEA report. Of the Republic’s eight regions, the next highest are the southeast at 29 deaths per 100,000 of population, followed by midlands east at 28. The midwest is also 28, while the southwest is 26. The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in the midlands is 26; in the west is 23 and in the Border region is 23. Data for Northern Ireland is not available from the EEA.
The Environmental Protection Agency has also warned of the dangers of particulate matter to human health. In its annual air quality report for 2020, the agency said fine particulate matter arising from burning solid fuels remained the biggest contributor to poor air quality in Ireland, with “worrying localised issues” in cities, towns and villages.
Monitored levels of particulate matter were above World Health Organisation air-quality guideline values at 38 of 67 monitoring stations, mainly as a result of pollution from the burning of solid fuel for home heating, according to the agency’s report.
