Most of us are aware of the genetic and psychological factors influencing rates of suicide. However, many environmental risk factors aren’t brought up in this important conversation.
Amanda V. Bakian, a research associate professor at the University of Utah, found that rainfall, temperature, exposure to sunshine, pollen, the season of spring and ambient air pollution play roles in predicting suicide. There is also a correlation between high levels of air inversion events and increased emergency department visits, cardiovascular issues and exacerbation of asthma and pulmonary disease.
In 2015, Bakian published an article analyzing suicide rates and short-term ambient air pollution in Salt Lake County. After analyzing all completed suicides in Utah from Jan. 1, 2000, to Sept. 14, 2014, she and her cohorts discovered a 5% increase in suicide risk associated with an increase in PM2.5, as well as a 20% increased suicide risk associated with an increase in NO2.
Let’s break this down: PM2.5 is a scientific way of describing a type of fine particulate matter. It refers to any particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. Pollen and dust are examples of PM2.5. In other words, PM2.5 is everywhere – especially near the Wasatch Front. Salt Lake County’s infamous inversion bubble includes mass amounts of PM2.5.
NO2, or nitrogen dioxide, originates from Traffic-Related Air Pollution (TRAP) and other fossil fuel combustions. Nitrogen dioxide can even come from construction or lawn equipment. In essence, NO2 often lurks near urban areas such as the Wasatch Front.
Bakian’s article further connected other associations with air pollution: Males were 25% more likely to die by suicide when rates of NO2 were high in the days preceding death. Also, deaths in the season of spring were 28% more likely in the presence of PM2.5.
This information all points to one conclusion: We need to be more aware of the impacts of air pollution in our community. Education is the first step toward growth.
Unfortunately, there is more to hate about air pollution: It disproportionately affects children in long-lasting ways. Paul Mohai, a professor at the University of Michigan, published an article that found the location of primary education schools to be a predictor of student success. The closer a school was to high collections of air pollution (such as highways and industrial sources), the more students failed to meet state educational testing standards. Schools residing near these collections of air pollution also had the lowest attendance rates.
This all raises the question: What do we do? Clearly, air pollution will not disappear overnight. Requiring everyone to take public transportation to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels would be improbable. If you’re looking for how you, as an individual, can be effective, then I recommend directing your attention to individuals in potential crisis.
If you suspect someone to be suicidal, then reach out. If you know a child who appears to be struggling in school, then at least be aware of how air pollution may contribute to that. If possible, lead the child to those who can help them academically. In short, stay alert.
Leah White
Leah White is a student at the University of Utah, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health, society and policy while triple-minoring in management, nutrition and applied positive psychology.