Air pollution is bad for mental health. That much is clear. Now, new research shows the impact may be even worse in neighborhoods that were historically redlined.
University at Buffalo researchers looked at 17 cities across New York State where longstanding federal housing policies once denied neighborhoods with people of color from receiving mortgages. Although this practice was outlawed in 1968, the researchers found that elevated levels of air pollutants in these neighborhoods of the state are disproportionately linked to increased emergency room (ER) visits for mental disorders.
Yoo is the lead author of the study, which will be featured in the Oct. 20 issue of Science of the Total Environment.
A recent study has revealed that communities historically impacted by redlining—discriminatory housing practices—are at a higher risk of mental health problems due to increased exposure to air pollution. These neighborhoods, which are often disproportionately populated by marginalized groups, suffer from poorer environmental conditions compared to more affluent areas. The study shows that the elevated levels of air pollution in these communities have a direct correlation with higher rates of mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression. The chronic stress of living in polluted areas exacerbates these mental health challenges, further widening the health disparities between redlined and non-redlined communities. The research underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve air quality and access to mental health services in these underserved areas.
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Redlined Communities Face Higher Mental Health Risks from Air Pollution https://t.co/AZt5YVGEmD #rehabnearme 855-339-1112
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