Air quality linked to cognitive performance: report

Air pollution negatively affects academic performance, a Belgian newspaper report said on Friday.

Three Belgian experts conducted research in three primary schools in Zonhoven, Tirlemont and Hasselt of the Flanders region to assess the association between air quality and academic performance. Their findings revealed that students' ability to perform was reduced when they live in a polluted area.

"The degree of impact air pollution has on students is almost as important as their parents' education," warned Tim Nawrot, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Hasselt.

"We cannot deny the consequences of air pollution on cognitive performance. Considering that there is heavy traffic in Flanders, it is urgent to find a solution to this problem," said Nawrot.

Since the research was conducted in a relatively unpolluted area, the way air pollution affects students' ability to perform would be even more important in cities with a higher population density.

Another study conducted by the Flemish Policy Research Center of Environment and Health also gave evidence of a link between key environmental factors and students' ability to learn and memorize. Air pollution was proved to affect concentration and focus. Endit