Exhaust gases not only cause a headache, but can even affect the function of the brain, scientists said..

As is known, nanoparticles reach the brain by inhalation, but for the first time it was possible to find out what this affects how we process information. The study was published in the journal Particle and Fiber Toxicology.

Researchers tried to recreate a similar environment as in the garages where cars are being repaired and near the roadside and asked 10 volunteers to spend 1 hour in a room filled with clean air or in a room with exhausts from a diesel engine. Participants were given an electroencephalogram during the experiment and one hour after the experiment.

Signals on changes in brain activity were recorded after about 30 minutes for those who were in the room with exhaust fumes, which is a visible change in the way information is processed in the cerebral cortex. The effect persisted even after the participants left the room with exhaust fumes.

According to researchers, the long-term effects of air polluted by exhaust gases can affect brain function and information processing. Further research is needed to find out the exact mechanism of the impact and consequences of contaminated air microparticles entering the brain.

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