According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, exposure to traffic-related air pollution is associated with an increased risk of multiple long-term physical and mental health conditions. The study conducted in England showed that high levels of traffic-related air pollution were associated with an increased risk of having at least two long-term health conditions.

The air pollutants, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), were strongly associated with co-occurring neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, and common mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. For the study, the researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank. The participants were evaluated for 36 physical chronic health conditions and five mental chronic health conditions.

The findings of the study showed that participants exposed to higher concentrations of fine particulate matter, i.e., above 10 g/m3, had a 21% increased risk of two or more co-occurring conditions compared to those exposed to concentrations below 10 g/m3. Similarly, among participants exposed to concentrations of NO2 above 30 g/m3, the increased risk of having two or more co-occurring conditions was around 20% in comparison to those who were exposed to concentrations of NO2 below 20 g/m3. Also, amongst those with multiple conditions, increased exposure to both PM2.5 and NO2 was linked to greater severity of the co-occurring conditions.

Additionally, the researchers also observed several patterns of association. The most common pattern was of conditions relating to the respiratory system, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as the cardiovascular system, like atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, and heart failure. They noted that a similar link was also seen with neurological and common mental conditions such as stroke, substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. 

(Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/health/air-pollution-linked-with-multiple-long-term-health-conditions-study-456995 )