Air pollution linked to higher suicide risk, international research suggests

Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast say environmental pollution could be considered in suicide prevention strategies. Photograph: Tomasz Trybus/Alamy

Air pollution is associated with an increased risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts, according to research.

Environmental pollution is known to be associated with poorer mental health but its role in suicide risk is less well understood. Scientists at Queen’s University Belfast examined whether air, noise, light, and water pollution could influence the risk of death by suicide and suicidal behaviours.