Indoor Air Pollution and Decision-Making Behavior: An Interdisciplinary Review.
German Torres1,2, Mervat Mourad3, Joerg R Leheste2
1Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Medaille College, Buffalo, USA.
Cureus
|August 1, 2022
Summary
Indoor fine particulate matter exposure is linked to impaired decision-making behavior. This review explores how air pollutants affect neural circuits and cognitive functions, potentially leading to health issues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Environmental Health
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- The human brain is susceptible to air pollutants impacting cognitive functions.
- Indoor fine particulate matter (PM) is a pervasive environmental exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence linking indoor PM exposure to decision-making behavior.
- To explore the neural mechanisms underlying pollutant effects on cognition.
- To hypothesize how air pollutants may disrupt choice selection.
Main Methods:
- Review of behavioral and neural studies in humans.
- Analysis of historical documents (e.g., Vietnam War) for hypothesis generation.
- Description of neural circuits involved in decision-making.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a correlation between indoor PM and altered decision-making.
- Pollutants may interfere with neural signal transduction and sensory perception.
- Potential for pathological integration of PM into brain tissue.
Conclusions:
- Airborne particulates may impair cognitive functions and decision-making.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for public health and mitigating cognitive deficits.
- Further research is needed on the impact of toxicants on brain health.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
2.8K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
2.8K
01:21Dimensions of Health and Illness
7.8K
The factors influencing the health-illness continuum can be internal or external and may or may not be under conscious control. They are related to the following eight human dimensions, and each dimension is interrelated to one other.
7.8K
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
2.6K
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
2.6K
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
551
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
551
01:36Types of Toxins
1.9K
Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
1.9K
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
1.6K
Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
1.6K