A new study has found a convincing link between exposure to pollution and the risk of developing both schizophrenia and autism. The study, which was conducted over a ten-year period, based its findings on data collected from individuals in Taiwan.

Researchers discovered that those who had been exposed to higher levels of air pollution had an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with one of these neurological disorders.

The Study

The research team behind this study analyzed data from over 100,000 individuals in Taiwan who were born between 1987 and 2000.

The individuals were tracked until 2011 and their medical records were analyzed to determine if they had been diagnosed with either schizophrenia or autism.

The team then took a closer look at the level of air pollution exposure that each of these individuals had experienced during their lifetime.

They utilized data from the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency, which monitors air pollution levels across the country.

After analyzing the data, the researchers discovered that those who had been exposed to higher levels of pollution, particularly during childhood, were at a significantly higher risk of developing either schizophrenia or autism later in life.

The Findings

The study found that the risk of developing schizophrenia was nearly 60% higher in those who had been exposed to the highest levels of pollution compared to those who had been exposed to the lowest levels.

Similarly, the risk of developing autism was nearly 50% higher in those exposed to the highest pollution levels.

The study also looked at the timing of pollution exposure and found that exposure during early childhood, particularly during the first two years of life, was the most significant predictor of later diagnosis of either schizophrenia or autism.

What Does This Mean?

This study provides compelling evidence that exposure to pollution during childhood can significantly increase the risk of developing these neurological disorders later in life.

While the study was conducted in Taiwan, it is likely that the findings hold true for other countries as well, particularly those with high levels of pollution.

While the study cannot definitively prove that pollution is a direct cause of schizophrenia or autism, it does suggest that pollution may play a significant role in the development of these disorders.

Given the large number of people around the world who are exposed to high levels of pollution, this research highlights the urgent need for action to tackle pollution levels and protect public health.

What Can Be Done?

This study provides further evidence that pollution levels need to be reduced in order to protect public health.

Governments and other organizations should take steps to help reduce pollution levels, particularly in densely populated areas where pollution is known to be more of a problem.

Individuals can also take steps to limit their own exposure to pollution.

This might include using public transportation instead of driving, choosing energy-efficient appliances and reducing energy use in the home, and using environmentally friendly cleaning products.