A new UK study is investigating the impact of relocating to areas with higher levels of air pollution on mental health, focusing on one of the country’s most deprived cities—Bradford.
The research, based on anonymized medical records from over 14,800 residents who moved within the city in early 2021, is part of a broader effort to understand the intersection between environmental quality and public health. It draws data from Connected Bradford, a comprehensive health database containing information on more than 800,000 individuals living in West Yorkshire since the 1970s.
Professor Rosie McEachan, Director of the Bradford Institute for Health Research, raised a key question driving the study: “People from communities already experiencing poor health—often those in lower socioeconomic brackets—frequently move to more polluted environments. Is that because no one else wants to live there? Or do these environments themselves contribute to further ill health?”
The researchers focused on prescriptions for common mental health conditions, particularly depression and anxiety. At the beginning of the study period, 2,100 participants were already taking medications for these conditions. A year later, their prescription data was re-examined.
Among participants not previously prescribed psychiatric medication, those who moved to areas with higher levels of particulate air pollution were found to have an 11% increased risk of developing new mental health issues compared to those who moved to less polluted locations.
Lead author Dr. Mikel Subiza-Pérez emphasized that the analysis accounted for numerous socioeconomic indicators in each area, including income, employment, education, health status, disability, and crime rates. “We wanted to ensure that environmental exposure—not just deprivation—was at the heart of any observed mental health effects,” he said.
The study also explored the relationship between access to green space and mental health. Using satellite imagery, researchers determined that moving to areas with more green space was linked to a reduced need for psychiatric medication—but only if the quality of those green areas was high.
“Living near poorly maintained or inaccessible green space doesn’t appear to provide the same mental health benefits,” Subiza-Pérez noted. “If an area lacks welcoming design or amenities—or even feels unsafe—it’s understandable that people wouldn’t benefit. Green spaces must include seating, shade, and other features to be truly usable by people of all ages.”
Beyond environmental factors, the study revealed structural challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions. Professor McEachan pointed out that those living with mental illness were more likely to move frequently and to end up in lower-quality environments. “This pattern can undermine recovery and create a negative cycle,” she said.
The Bradford findings echo results from other major studies. In southern California, a decade-long study showed that children who moved to areas with lower levels of particulate pollution experienced improved lung development, while those who relocated to more polluted regions saw declines. Similarly, a U.S. study involving more than 10 million older adults found that relocating between areas with differing air quality had a measurable effect on life expectancy.
Summing up the findings, Professor McEachan stressed the policy implications: “If we want to make our cities healthier and happier places for everyone, investment must be directed toward the areas that need it most. Policymakers should prioritize urban regeneration, improve public transport, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance the quality of public spaces in city centers.”
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