How air pollution impacts our brains
The air we breathe has a direct impact on our brain. Mounting evidence links air pollution exposure to increased risk for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Poor air quality — both indoors and outdoors — also profoundly impacts our mental health, increasing risk for anxiety and depression. With the World Health Organization estimating that 99% of the global population is exposed to unhealthy levels of tiny and harmful air pollutants, what can be done to improve air quality and brain health? Our expert panel discussed the latest findings and provided recommendations on policy changes for cleaner air.
SPEAKERS
Joseph Allen Associate Professor of Exposure Assessment Science, Environmental Health and Director, Harvard Healthy Buildings Program, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Maite Arce President and CEO, Hispanic Access Foundation
Francesca Dominici Clarence James Gamble Professor of Biostatistics, Population, and Data Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Marc Weisskopf Cecil K. and Philip Drinker Professor of Environmental Epidemiology and Physiology
MODERATOR
Sabrina Shankman Reporter, The Boston Globe
