A new study from Oregon Health & Science University found that air pollution can impact adolescent brain development. The analysis indicated that exposure to common air pollutants is associated with accelerated cortical thinning in areas of the brain responsible for language, mood regulation and socioemotional processing. Researchers observed changes even in children who were exposed to pollution at levels the Environmental Protection Agency considers safe. 

Calvin Jara is an otolaryngology resident at OHSU and the study’s lead author. He joins us with more details about how these changes could affect children’s physical and emotional health.