Science & technology | A poisoned mind

Older men are more prone to cognitive impairment from dirty air

A new study from China highlights air-pollution concerns

Hold your breath

LIVING under thick layers of smog is known to cause illness and reduce life expectancy. The degree to which pollution harms the mind is less clear. In theory some of the toxins that get inhaled could damage the nervous system and hamper intellect, but few studies have looked into this. One just has, however, and the results are worrying, particularly for older men.

This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “A poisoned mind”

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