Air pollution is associated with an increased risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts, according to new research. Scientists at Queen’s University Belfast examined whether various forms of pollution could influence the risk of death by suicide and suicidal behaviours.
Their meta-analysis of 29 studies found that exposure to airborne small particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was linked to a heightened risk of death by suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation. A narrative analysis of 16 additional studies suggested that some other air pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide and ozone, as well as noise pollution, were also associated with a higher suicide risk. However, evidence for light and water pollution was inconclusive.
The authors of the findings, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, suggested that environmental pollution could be considered in suicide prevention strategies. They stated that integrating environmental health into mental health policy, through cross-sectoral collaboration and pollution reduction strategies, could play a vital role in reducing suicide risk.
However, other experts have expressed caution. Dr Jon Van Niekerk, chair of the general adult faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, noted that the research suggested some forms of air pollution may be associated with a small increase in suicidal behaviour, but did not establish that air pollution itself caused suicidal thoughts or attempts. Dr Stephen Burgess, a professor of biostatistics at the University of Cambridge, highlighted that the study confuses causation and association, suggesting other factors could explain the observed links.