Air pollution reduces people’s ability to focus on everyday tasks, study finds

Vehicle exhaust fumes and road dust are sources of particulate matter. Photograph: REX/Shutterstock

A person’s ability to focus on everyday tasks is affected by short-term exposure to air pollution, a study has found.

Researchers analysed data from cognitive tests completed by 26 participants before and after they were exposed either to high levels of particulate matter (PM) using smoke from a candle, or clean air for an hour.