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Associations between air pollution and perceived stress: the Veterans Administration Normative Aging Study
Amar J Mehta1, Laura D Kubzansky2, Brent A Coull3
1Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Landmark Ctr, West 415, 401 Park Dr, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. amehta@hsph.harvard.edu.
Environmental Health : a Global Access Science Source
|January 29, 2015
Summary
Air pollution exposure, particularly particle number counts, is linked to increased perceived stress in older men. These associations were stronger in colder months for certain pollutants like fine particles.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mixed evidence exists on the link between air pollution and psychiatric disorders.
- Perceived stress is a potential precursor to affective psychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between air pollution and non-specific perceived stress in older men.
- To explore the role of air pollutants as potential contributors to psychological distress.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of 987 older men (2,244 visits) from the Veterans Administration Normative Aging Study (1995-2007).
- Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) administered at each visit; air pollution exposures (PM2.5, BC, NO2, PNC) assessed using moving averages (1, 2, 4-weeks).
- Linear mixed-effects regression used for analysis, adjusting for covariates and evaluating seasonal effect modification.
Main Results:
- Elevated levels of PM2.5, BC, NO2, and PNC were associated with higher perceived stress.
- Particle number counts (PNC) showed the strongest association; a 15,997 counts/cm(3) IQR increase in 1-week PNC correlated with a 3.2-point PSS increase.
- Seasonal variation observed, with stronger associations for PM2.5, BC, and sulfate during colder months.
Conclusions:
- Air pollution is associated with increased perceived stress in older men.
- Specific pollutants, like PNC, demonstrate a significant link to psychological stress.
- The impact of air pollution on perceived stress may be more pronounced during colder seasons.
