By Abbas Nazil
An unprecedented interdisciplinary study conducted by Brazil’s National Observatory is shedding new light on the potential connection between air pollution and brain health, particularly neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
The research, which merges geophysics, medicine, and public health, investigates the presence and impact of microscopic iron particles in urban air and human brain tissue.
This initiative marks a pioneering effort to understand the neurological risks associated with air pollution through a scientific collaboration that draws from multiple disciplines.
According to Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the study aims to identify the sources of magnetic iron particles in polluted air and evaluate their neurotoxic potential once they enter the human brain.
Researchers collect samples from the densely populated and heavily polluted metropolitan area of São Paulo.
Airborne particles are gathered using specialised monitoring stations, while human brain samples are obtained from the University of São Paulo Brain Bank.
The focus is to determine how and why these particles find their way into brain tissue and what harm they may cause once embedded.
Initial findings indicate that the majority of ferromagnetic particles in São Paulo’s air stem from anthropogenic sources, with vehicular emissions being the predominant contributor.
Seasonal variation plays a critical role in pollution levels. During the dry season, limited atmospheric movement allows particulate matter to accumulate, significantly increasing air pollution.
Conversely, the rainy season helps cleanse the air through a natural process known as “atmospheric washing,” which reduces the concentration of suspended particles.
However, researchers warn that ultrafine particles—measuring thousands of times smaller than a human hair—can persist in the atmosphere year-round and penetrate deep into the body, potentially posing significant long-term health risks.
The study further explores the dynamic interaction between weather patterns, urban conditions, and pollution sources to understand how they collectively influence the composition and concentration of airborne particles.
By applying geophysical techniques typically used in Earth sciences to the realm of public health, the researchers aim to trace particle origins and pathways and better comprehend their biological impact.
The project represents a bold step in interdisciplinary science, demonstrating how the integration of environmental monitoring, medical analysis, and geophysical research can tackle complex public health challenges.
The researchers believe their findings can provide valuable insights for policymakers, helping to inform regulations aimed at mitigating pollution and protecting neurological health.
By bridging scientific fields, the study not only enhances understanding of environmental hazards but also reinforces the role of science in shaping healthier, more sustainable societies.
