In Utah, air pollution is notoriously bad. Every winter is marked with constant invasions and red-air days. However, a risk of pollution that is rarely considered is the effect it has on our mental health.
Utah’s air pollution only seems to get worse year-to-year. In the American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report, Salt Lake City, Provo and Orem were ranked No. 7 for short-term particle pollution in the U.S. Air pollutants like PM 2.5 and NO2 released into the air via factories, cars and wildfires have been associated with an increased risk of suicide.
Amanda Bakian, a research associate professor at the University of Utah, identified the association between PM 2.5/NO2 levels and suicide risk. When looking at their results on short-term ambient air pollution and suicide death, her research found that there was a 5% increase in risk of suicide with a rise in PM 2.5 and 20% increase in risk with a rise in NO2.
One of the reasons air pollution raises sucide rates is because it reduces respiratory function, which can lead to hypobaric hypoxia, a condition where the body’s tissues are deprived of oxygen. This decreases development of serotonin, a key hormone in regulating a person’s mood. Absence of serotonin in a person’s body has been associated with depression and suicidal tendencies.
However, Utahns should not be forced to live with pollution forever. The adverse effects of air pollution can be reduced by riding a bike, carpooling or busing instead of driving. An impact can also be made through the things we buy. Choosing only to buy energy-efficient appliances can help reduce pollution and lead to the formation of a better environment. Ultimately, Utahns need to come together as a community to reduce air pollution.
Anqi Deng, Solutions Scholar, University of Utah, Lehi