New Research Connects Soot Pollution to Alzheimer’s Disease

Washington, D.C. – People exposed to higher levels of fine particulate matter, or soot, are more likely to experience Alzheimer’s disease, new research released this week finds. 

The study, published in Neurology, investigated the association between traffic-related soot exposure and the development of Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that exposure to fine particulate matter can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, key factors in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Earlier this month, the Biden Administration finalized a stronger annual National Ambient Air Quality Standard for soot, taking a long-awaited step toward addressing the dangerous and deadly air pollutant responsible for over 100,000 deaths in the United States every year. 

Congressional Republicans responded by introducing a new version of the “Smoggy Skies Act,” legislation to gut the National Ambient Air Quality Standards under the Clean Air Act. 

In response, Sierra Club Director of Climate Policy Patrick Drupp released the following statement: 

“Republican lawmakers’ pursuit of policies that prioritize industry profits over the air we breathe is a disservice to every American. At a time when scientific research continues to reveal the devastating impacts of pollution on human health, it is unconscionable that some lawmakers are pushing for the rollback of essential protections.

“We applaud the Biden administration’s action against deadly soot pollution, which will prevent thousands of premature deaths, bring billions in public health benefits, and reduce pollution tied to devastating diseases like Alzheimer's. Congress must reject the Smoggy Skies Act and all other attempts to undermine critical public health protections under the Clean Air Act.”