Neurological Disorders from Ambient (Urban) Air Pollution Emphasizing UFPM and PM2.5

Abstract

Exposure to ambient (urban) air pollution consisting of fine particles is linked with the increased risk of respiratory as well as cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Recent studies have, however, suggested the adverse effects of PM2.5 and especially ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM or PM0.1: size <0.1 μm or 100 nm) in ambient air pollution in the brain and central nervous system (CNS). These particles can travel beyond the pulmonary systems to the CNS and, ultimately, reach the brain that may cause neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other forms of dementia. The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can also be linked to neurological disorders identically. An attempt has been made in this article to make an assessment on the roles of UFPM and PM2.5 as well as PCBs on the neurological disorders from exposure to ambient air pollution. Finally, several recommendations are made for future scope of research followed by regulatory enforcement strategies to reduce the occurrence of neurological disorders from exposures of ambient air pollution to humans.