Haze pollution and cognitive impairment / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Haze pollution is a mixture of many substances,the main components of which are sulfur dioxide,nitrogen oxides and particulate matter (PM). The study found that PM2. 5 not only affects the respir-atory and cardiovascular system,but also affects cognitive function,resulting in cognitive impairment such as memory loss and executive function decline. With the increase of PM2. 5 concentration,cognitive function gradually declines. Haze can cause organic changes in brain tissue. Studies have shown that haze can cause inflammation,oxidative stress response,neurodegeneration and other central nervous system damage,and lead to cognitive impairment by interfering with gene expression and regulation process. Haze increases the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases,mediates emotional and behavioral changes,thus indirectly af-fecting cognitive function. Therefore,in areas with severe haze,it is necessary to take more active measures to reduce the degree of haze and minimize haze damage.

Psychological and Physical Impact of the Haze Amongst a Malaysian Community / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

A total of 306 Malaysian university students and staff were surveyed to ascertain the physical and emotional effects of the polluted haze on them. All subjects completed self-reported questionnaires. Analysis of the results indicated that the majority of subjects reduced their outdoor activities and sports, and also reported an increase in emotional and physical health problems. The results indicated that there was a general increase in emotional problems such as feeling depressed, lacking in energy, not feeling like doing anything, feeling anxious and afraid, difficulty sleeping, feeling agitated and irritable, and having no appetite. There was also an increase in physical symptoms such as itchy or red eyes, itchy or running nose, dry throat/cough, headaches, nausea, and fever. This study indicated that emotional and behavioural problems are just as common during the haze, when compared with physical health problems. The study also suggests that there are a broad range of problems which health care and human resource departments need to be aware of and take precautions to minimize during a haze.