Reframing air pollution as a cognitive and socioeconomic risk

Thomas Faherty; Laura-Jayne A. Ellis-Bradford; Helen Onyeaka; Roy M. Harrison; Francis D. Pope

doi:10.1038/s44407-026-00059-4

Reframing air pollution as a cognitive and socioeconomic risk

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Abstract

Air pollution is a major environmental health risk, yet its cognitive impact remains under-recognised. Evidence links short- and long-term fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposure to reduced cognitive performance and intelligence quotient (IQ). We estimate global PM_2.5-related IQ losses of 65 billion points, disproportionately affecting low- and lower-middle-income countries. Current air quality standards may not protect neurological health; this threat to global intellect requires nuanced regulation, targeted mitigation, and cross-sectoral policy.

Original language	English
Article number	18
Number of pages	7
Journal	npj Clean Air
Volume	2
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1038/s44407-026-00059-4
Publication status	Published - 9 Mar 2026

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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

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AB - Air pollution is a major environmental health risk, yet its cognitive impact remains under-recognised. Evidence links short- and long-term fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure to reduced cognitive performance and intelligence quotient (IQ). We estimate global PM2.5-related IQ losses of 65 billion points, disproportionately affecting low- and lower-middle-income countries. Current air quality standards may not protect neurological health; this threat to global intellect requires nuanced regulation, targeted mitigation, and cross-sectoral policy.

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Reframing air pollution as a cognitive and socioeconomic risk

Abstract

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