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Suicide is a global public health crisis, claiming the lives of more than 700,000 people annually worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

With the increasing prevalence of deaths linked to mental health issues comes a growing interest in exploring unconventional factors that may contribute to this tragic phenomenon.

Recent research has raised intriguing questions about the potential link between air pollution and suicide risk.

As yesterday, September 10th, was World Suicide Prevention Day, there’s no better time to get into the nitty gritty of the important work being done in order to try understand these shockingly-high statistics.

The United States in particular has witnessed a concerning upward trend in suicide rates over the past two decades. In 2022, nearly 50,000 people in the US took their own lives, translating to one suicide every 11 minutes.

This disturbing data places the US as one of the countries with the highest suicide rates among affluent, developed nations. In comparison, the UK’s suicide rate is approximately 25% lower.

Addressing this complex issue necessitates a multifaceted approach, including increased investment in mental healthcare provision and efforts to combat loneliness. That being said, recent research suggests that air quality may play an unexpected role in suicide prevention.

Researchers have now found that particulate matter – the tiny particles emitted from sources such as wood burners, wildfires and construction dust – has been associated with increased suicide risk. Gases like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, emitted by industrial facilities, fossil fuel combustion, and certain vehicles, have also shown significant correlations to mental health experiences.

While the exact biological mechanisms underlying the relationship between air pollution and suicide risk remain unclear, researchers have put forth plausible theories. Inhaling air pollution can restrict the flow of oxygen into the bloodstream and, subsequently, the brain. Therefore, the reduced supply of oxygen may lead to cognitive impairments and other adverse effects.

Scientists suggest that air pollution may also trigger inflammation in the brain, disrupt serotonin levels and interfere with stress response pathways.

That being said, as is the case with any research exploring correlations, other environmental influences could be at play. It’s not just air pollution that may be contributing to mental illness but other conditions linked to climate change such as temperature increases.

Hotter days are linked to increased suicide rates, and rising temperatures can elevate air pollution levels. Because of the complex nature of this kind of cause and effect, researchers must carefully disentangle these interconnected factors in order to better understand the impact.

While addressing air pollution and other environmental factors alone won’t solve the complex issue of suicide, these emerging findings have significant implications. As with previous experiences in Denmark and other countries, suicide prevention requires a multifaceted approach at both local and national levels.

Air pollution may increase the likelihood of suicide by a small percentage, but eliminating this factor won’t eradicate the problem.

With climate change contributing to desertification, droughts and wildfires (all of which increase air pollution) this issue becomes all the more urgent.

But remember, no matter the air quality index in your city, there’s always help if you need it.

Suicide Crisis Line South Africa:
0800 567 567

[source:bbc]