Air pollution has been known to be terrible for health. However, a new study has linked tailpipe byproducts of internal combustion engine vehicles to more than just serious respiratory problems. The study was carried out by researchers at the University of Washington and revealed the connection between car pollution and dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The study evaluated data already collected from two previous studies that tracked the air pollution levels of the city of Puget Sound since the 1970s and the probability of dementia starting from 1994.
Results showed that for every 1 microgram per cubic centimeter increase of PM2.5 particulate matter, there was a 16 percent increase in the chance of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s-type dementia occurring.
The source of the particulate matter was traced by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to the burning of fossil fuels. Another study revealed last year that a higher coronavirus virus death rate was linked to higher levels of pollutants.
This is why renewable energy and alternatively powered vehicles like electric vehicles need to be promoted to reduce environmental pollution and improve the health of humanity in general.
However, more than a few carmakers are going beyond just making battery-powered automobiles. For example, Volvo says it has made a car that assesses air quality in the cabin. Hyundai is also reportedly bringing such technology to its own vehicles.
Renewable Brief 