Complementing these findings, a new study in China proved that improving air quality significantly declined suicide rates. By meticulously analysing data over several years, researchers found a clear, inverse relationship between air quality improvements and suicide incidences. This statistical study estimates that PM2.5 reductions under China’s Air Pollution Action Plan prevented 13,000–79,000 (95% confidence interval) suicides over 2013–2017. Therefore, environmental policies and concerted efforts to cleanse the air can yield significant mental health benefits.
These studies serve as a reminder of the urgent need for countries across Asia and the globe to address air pollution as a multifaceted health hazard and emphasise the importance of considering environmental risk factors, including air pollution, in understanding and addressing the causes of psychiatric disorders.
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