According to a study conducted by the International Food Policy Research Institute, breathing polluted air is attributed to “significantly reduced” verbal and math scores, and cognitive impairment that can lead to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
What can you do?
Although the United States experiences lower air pollution than other major countries, it’s important to be aware of how your daily activities can contribute to air pollution. Here are some things to consider:
- Research the household products that you use to determine if they’re harmful to the environment.
- Monitor home and working environments to make sure that there are adequate airflow and proper exhaust systems installed.
- Refrain from smoking, especially indoors, to make sure that this specific type of smoke doesn’t pollute the air you’re breathing.
Don't Forget About Indoor Air Pollution
Americans spend 90% of their lives indoors, where the air is 2-5x more polluted than outdoor air.
The most common pollutants are:
