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A systematic review of air pollution exposure and brain structure and function during development
Jessica Morrel1, Michelle Dong2, Michael A Rosario3
1Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Environmental Research
|March 12, 2025
Summary
Exposure to outdoor air pollution is linked to brain changes in children and adolescents. This updated review highlights new evidence on air pollution
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Air pollutants are recognized neurotoxicants affecting brain development.
- Previous reviews, including one from 2019, have explored this link.
- Newer evidence is emerging on the impact of air pollution on young brains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review updated evidence on outdoor air pollution exposure and childhood/adolescent brain structure and function.
- To evaluate new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings since the 2019 review.
- To synthesize current research on neurodevelopmental effects of air pollutants.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus through January 2025.
- Inclusion of studies using key terms for air pollution and functional/structural MRI.
- Independent article screening and risk of bias assessment.
Main Results:
- 20 new studies were identified, adding to the 6 from the 2019 review, totaling 26 publications.
- Studies covered exposure from pregnancy through adolescence, using diverse exposure assessment and advanced MRI techniques.
- Air pollutants were associated with brain differences, but findings were inconsistent, limiting strong conclusions.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal and childhood outdoor air pollution exposure correlates with structural and functional brain variations.
- The current literature incorporates longitudinal studies and advanced neuroimaging, surpassing the scope of the 2019 review.
- Further research is crucial to understand developmental timing effects and long-term cognitive/mental health impacts.
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