Prolonged exposure to air pollution has a negative impact on the academic performance of school-going children, shows a study conducted by researchers at Yale University, USA. The research team found a link between the presence of fine particulate matter in the air (PM2.5) and its adverse outcomes in children’s test scores.

The study revealed that from 2001 to 2018, air pollution, specifically PM2.5 concentration, had a negative impact on students’ test scores. For every 1 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, there was a significant decrease in maths and reading test scores, demonstrating that air pollution is linked to lower academic performance among students.

The research involved over 2.8 million students in grades 3-8 who attended public schools in North Carolina, USA. Of these students, 37,194 (1.3%) were of Indian origin, and 77,830 (2.8%) were of Asian origin.
Furthermore, the research showed that air pollution (PM2.5 exposure) affects students differently. Girls had lower maths scores when exposed to air pollution, and students from minority racial and ethnic backgrounds were more affected by pollution compared to White students. Additionally, students from low-income families had lower reading scores when exposed to air pollution.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) consists of microscopic pollutants suspended in the air, measuring 2.5 μm or less in diameter—20 times smaller than the width of a single hair strand. These pollutants can include various components, such as dust, soot, smoke, and tiny liquid droplets, originating from sources like vehicle emissions, industrial processes, construction activities, and natural sources such as wildfires and dust storms.

Medical experts have issued a warning based on the study’s findings, particularly for the people of India. Leading pulmonologist Prof. GC Khilnani stated, ‘Delhi is considered an education hub for school education. This study, conducted by Yale University, serves as an eye-opener for parents, revealing the negative impact of long-term PM2.5 exposure on children’s academic performance. Even a PM2.5 concentration of 10 µg/m3 is considered hazardous. A one-unit increase in this concentration is proportionally linked to a decrease in maths and reading ability, which is concerning.’

Notably, the PM2.5 concentration in Delhi was recorded at 75 µg/m3 during January-October 2023, according to government data.