미세먼지와 인지기능

Particulate Matter and Cognitive Function

The term “particulate Matter (PM)” refers to the mixture of small-sized solid particles and liquid droplets floating in the air, and is referred to as PM10 (<10 &#181;m), PM2.5 (<2.5 &#181;m) and PM1.0. Much PM is an anthropogenic substance generated by transportation or industrial activities, which is transformed into a second toxic substance by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. PM reaches the brain directly through olfactory transport, or through the blood-brain barrier during systemic circulation. PM that enters the local cerebral circulation causes neuroinflammation through microglial cells and endotoxins. According to previous studies, greater PM exposure results in lower brain volume, especially white matter. Among neurodevelopmental disorders, the correlation between the occurrence of autism spectrum disorder and exposure to PM is widely known. Other studies have found that exposure to PM was associated with low cognitive function and increased rate of cognitive aging. PM can also cause pathology of early Alzheimer s disease and increases the risk of Alzheimer s dementia and mild cognitive impairment.