polluted air, troubled minds: the link between air pollution and brain health
汙染的空氣，煩惱的心靈：空氣汙染與大腦健康之間的相關性
the air we breathe is essential for life, but increasingly, research reveals a troubling connection between air pollution and its detrimental effects on the human brain.
我們呼吸的空氣對生命至關重要，但越來越多的研究揭示了空氣汙染與其對人腦的有害影響之間存在令人不安的聯絡。
studies are painting a concerning picture, linking exposure to pollutants with a range of neurological and mental health issues, including:
研究描繪了一幅令人擔憂的圖景，將暴露於汙染物與一系列神經和心理健康問題聯絡起來，包括：
neurodegenerative diseases: alarmingly, air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of alzheimer's disease, parkinson's disease, and other neurocognitive disorders.
神經退行性疾病：令人生畏的是，空氣汙染與阿爾茨海默病、帕金森病和其他認知障礙的風險增加有關。
mental health problems: beyond physical health, air pollution can significantly impact mental well-being. studies h**e shown a rise in anxiety, suicide ideation, and even hospitalizations for mental health disorders among individuals exposed to higher levels of pollutants.
心理健康問題：除了身體健康外，空氣汙染也會對心理健康產生重大影響。 研究表明，暴露於較高水平汙染物的人增加了焦慮、自殺意念甚至因精神障礙住院的人數。
cognitive decline: research suggests that air pollution can negatively impact cognitive function, leading to difficulties in learning, decision-**and memory.
認知能力下降：研究表明，空氣汙染會對認知功能產生負面影響，導致學習、決策和記憶困難。
these findings raise particular concerns for underprivileged communities, often disproportionately exposed to higher levels of air pollution due to factors like proximity to industrial plants or major highways.
這些發現引起了對貧困社群的特別關注，由於靠近工業設施或主要高速公路等因素，他們往往暴露在更高水平的空氣汙染中。
the culprit behind this air-brain connection lies in the tiny fine particles that make up air pollution.
這種空氣與大腦連線背後的罪魁禍首是構成空氣汙染的微小細顆粒物。
these particles, so small they can enter the bloodstream, can directly affect the brain and trigger inflammation throughout the body.
這些顆粒非常小，可以進入血液，並可以直接影響大腦並引發全身炎症。
while no safe level of air pollution exists, recent regulations by the epa h**e lowered the acceptable limit for fine particles in outdoor air.
雖然沒有安全的空氣汙染水平，但最近的EPA法規降低了室外空氣中細顆粒物的可接受限值。
however, many experts believe these standards need to be even stricter.
然而，許多專家認為，這些標準需要更加嚴格。
furthermore, indoor air quality also lacks national regulations, with the osha standard being considerably higher than the outdoor limit.
此外，缺乏針對室內空氣質量的國家法規，美國職業安全與健康管理局 （OSHA） 的標準遠高於室外限制。
well-designed buildings h**e shown promise in reducing indoor air pollution.
精心設計的建築有望減少室內空氣汙染。
high-efficiency particulate air (hepa) filterscan effectively capture fine particles, allergens, and even certain airborne viruses, significantly improving indoor air quality.
高效微粒空氣過濾器（HEPA）可以有效捕獲細顆粒物、過敏原，甚至一些空氣傳播的病毒，顯著改善室內空氣質量。
integrating plants into the building design, such as vertical gardens or living walls, can naturally filter pollutants and improve air quality.
將植物納入建築設計中，例如垂直花園或活牆，可以自然地過濾汙染物並改善空氣質素。
however, further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and toxicity of various indoor pollutants.
然而，室內汙染物的長期影響和毒性還需要進一步研究。
本文引自：Harvard Magzine