Air pollution caused by wildfire smoke linked to elevated suicide risk in rural counties: U.S. research
Exposure to wildfire smoke could have a detrimental impact on not only physical health, but also mental health, according to new research from the U.S. which found that air pollution may elevate the risk of suicide among some demographics.
Researchers combined data on wildfire smoke exposure levels, air pollution concentrations and deaths by suicide in the U.S., and found that a 10 per cent increase in airborne particles in rural counties could cause monthly suicide rates to rise by 1.5 per cent.
The phenomenon was strongest among groups already at risk for suicide who also had a high exposure to outdoor air by living in rural regions. No association was observed between air pollution and suicide risk among urban populations.
h/t Mauser
