The longer we stay in traffic, the dumber we become: Science says so

Well, yeah, the longer we stay passage The more we become stupidBecause it’s clear that it’s not just the environmental issue that makes vehicle traffic particularly unpleasant, and now science is telling us that something else is going on, too.inside our brain.

It was Canadian researchers who first showed how acute exposure to traffic pollution can impair some Brain functionsproviding unique evidence of the relationship between Air quality and Cognitive abilities.

The main objective of Canadian study The effect of this type of pollution on a group of interconnected cortical brain regions that play a crucial role in perceptionin memory And in Emotions.

How was the study conducted?

The researchers wanted to investigate the effects of traffic pollution on human brain activity, with a particular focus onExposure to exhaust gases From diesel. Using an innovative model to assess human exposure to exhaust gases, the researchers conducted an experiment on a sample of 25 people, ensuring absolute safety for the health of the participants.

Participants in the experiment were exposed to a Short but controlled They were exposed to diesel exhaust fumes, and their brain activity was measured before and after exposure. The results were both surprising and disturbing.

Decreased brain activity and decreased functional connectivity

The data collected revealed that short-term exposure to diesel exhaust caused significant damage. decreased brain activity In participants, in particular, there was a decrease in functional connectivity between different brain regions, an essential aspect of proper brain function.

Effects on mental health and cognitive abilities

These changes in brain activity have been linked to mental health problems, such as depression and decreased cognitive abilities. This raises significant concerns about Effects of air pollution On people’s thinking and ability to work.

The test was conducted on a sample of only 25 people and cannot be considered significant. On the other hand, this test, along with a growing number of epidemiological and preclinical studies linking air pollution to a range of neurodegenerative diseases, could prove Acute effects of air pollution on the human brain in a way never seen before.

At this point, all we have to do is make sure that Air filter Your car is in good condition. When we use a car we can use GPS to avoid traffic, and if we are walking or cycling along a busy road it is a good idea to take into account the possibility of turning somewhere. less congested road.

Did you know that in 10 Cities With The Worst Traffic In The World Is there an Italian? Don’t believe it? Here is the list with the cities in order.