New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) Exposure to air pollution may have significant consequences for a child's developing brain, potentially harming language development, memory, and mood regulation, as indicated by recent research.

Air pollution leads to the release of harmful substances, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone, into the atmosphere.

The research, conducted by physician-scientists at Oregon Health & Science University in the United States, cautions that air pollution exposure is linked to structural alterations in the adolescent brain, particularly in the frontal and temporal lobes—regions crucial for executive function, language, mood regulation, and social-emotional processing.

Lead author Calvin Jara, a resident in otolaryngology/head and neck surgeries at the OHSU School of Medicine, remarked, "Our findings reveal a gradual and subtle impact on the brain; it may not show immediate symptoms, but could influence developmental paths and outcomes over time."

The research team analyzed data from approximately 11,000 children.

Results published in the journal Environmental Research indicated that initial exposure to certain air pollutants during early adolescence, around ages 9 to 10, was correlated with both enduring and developmental alterations in cortical thickness—a metric for the structural maturation of the brain's outer layer.

Accelerated or atypical cortical thinning can signify underlying neurological issues and lead to cognitive impairments.

Researchers caution that these brain structure changes could adversely affect a child's overall health, well-being, and future life trajectory.

Disruptions in the development of these essential brain regions may hinder attention, memory, and emotional regulation, potentially resulting in academic challenges and behavioral problems. Further studies should explore these long-term impacts, according to the researchers.