Pollution and mental health: current scientific evidence

March 3, 2026

This briefing discusses the evidence that is currently available on the associations between environmental pollution and mental health. It is based on a review of the scientific literature, and it supports the zero pollution action plan (ZPAP) and the European Union’s (EU’s) Eighth Environment Action Programme (8 th EAP).
Related content can be found here: Climate change impacts on mental health in Europe ; Impact of air pollution on mental health (signal) .