Latest research shows air pollution can increase the risk of dementia.
The Australian study is the first global study of its kind.
The research showed that rates of dementia were more likely when people were exposed over a long period of time to two types of air pollutants; particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and nitrous oxides (NOx) which are pollutants commonly found in cities around the world.
“This is concerning because the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 91% of the world’s population lives in places where air exceeds WHO guideline limits. The research shows that government regulation that reduces our exposure to air pollution has a huge potential health and economic benefits,” said study lead Dr Ruth Peters at Neuroscience Research Australia.