Air pollution exposure may lead to lower cognitive performance, study indicates

A landmark study from an International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI; Washington DC, USA) scientist has established that exposure to air pollution over a long period of time significantly impacts cognitive abilities, as measured through steep reduction in verbal and math test scores. “Long-term exposure to air pollution impedes cognitive performance in verbal and math tests,” commented Xiaobo Zhang, Senior Research Fellow at IFPRI. “The damage on cognitive ability by air pollution also likely impedes the development of human capital. Therefore, a narrow focus on the negative effect on health may underestimate the total cost of air pollution.” “Our findings...