Long-Term PM2.5 Exposure and Mental Health Disparities: Insights from the All of Us Research Program

Highlight

• Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is strongly associated with increased risks of incident anxiety and depression.
• Depression risks rise even at PM2.5 levels below the current EPA standard, suggesting possible underestimation of safe air quality thresholds.
• Black participants exhibit approximately double the risk of anxiety and depression compared to other racial groups, highlighting the role of systemic racism and structural inequities in environmental health outcomes.
• Findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions addressing environmental and social determinants of mental health in vulnerable communities.

Study Background and Disease Burden