Ambient air pollution and depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

In this systematic literature review and meta-analysis, the association between air pollution exposure and depression was analyzed. This meta-analysis is based on 90 studies investigating the associations between both short- and long-term exposure to various air pollutants and depression, including post-partum depression. These studies were reported according to “The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)” guidelines. The studies included in the meta-analysis comprised of several different air pollutants including nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10 ), ozone (O 3 ), and black carbon (BC), examined through both measured data and modelled estimates. A total of 17 meta-coefficients were calculated, with statistically significant associations in ten of these, indicating a clear link between air pollution exposure and depression. The meta-coefficient for long-term exposure to PM 2.5 was based on 25 studies with a risk increase of 1.044 (95%: 1.024–1.064) associated with a 1 µg m −3 increase. The meta-coefficient for long-term exposure to NO 2 was based on 22 studies with a risk increase of 1.011 (95%: 1.003–1.018) associated with a 1 µg m −3 increase. However, a high degree of heterogeneity throughout almost all meta-analyses may restrict the generalizability of our findings. Systematic Review Registration https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2024-8-0025/ , INPLASY INPLASY202480025.