Sitting in traffic for just 2 hours can lead to brain damage - Study Finds

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Breathing in diesel exhaust fumes while sitting in traffic could be disastrous for your brain, a new neuroscience study warns.

“For many decades, scientists thought the brain may be protected from the harmful effects of air pollution,” says Chris Carlsten, a professor and head of respiratory medicine and the Canada Research Chair in occupational and environmental lung disease at UBC, in a university release.

“This study, which is the first of its kind in the world, provides fresh evidence supporting a connection between air pollution and cognition.”

The fMRI scans show that people exposed to diesel exhaust have lower DMN activity compared to the air-filtered group.

“While more research is needed to fully understand the functional impacts of these changes, it’s possible that they may impair people’s thinking or ability to work.”

Jocelyn has reported on several medical and science topics ranging from coronavirus news to the latest findings in women’s health.