Effects of air pollution exposure on social behavior: a synthesis and call for research.

Background: There is a growing literature from both epidemiologic and experimental animal studies suggesting that exposure to air pollution can lead to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we suggest that efects of air pollutant exposure on the brain may be even broader, with the potential to afect social decision-making in general. Methods: We discuss how the neurobiological substrates of social behavior are vulnerable to air pollution, then briefy present studies that examine the efects of air pollutant exposure on social behavior-related outcomes.

Results: Few experimental studies have investigated the efects of air pollution on social behavior and those that have focus on standard laboratory tests in rodent model systems. Nonetheless, there is sufcient evidence to support a critical need for more research. Conclusion: For future research, we suggest a comparative approach that utilizes diverse model systems to probe the efects of air pollution on a wider range of social behaviors, brain regions, and neurochemical pathways. Keywords: Air pollution, Social behavior, Particulate matter, Ozone, Social decision-making network, Dopamine, Sex steroids, Inhalation, Hazardous air pollutants