RT Journal
A1 Grant WB
T1 POlycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, particulate air pollution, and cognitive decline
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 2012
FD July 9
VO 172
IS 13
SP 1045
OP 1046
DO 10.1001/archinternmed.2012.1698
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2012.1698
AB 
The recent article by Weuve and colleagues1 provides additional evidence that particulate air pollution contributes to cognitive decline. The mechanisms suggested to explain the observed association are generally consistent with an additional characteristic of a major component of PM2.5 (particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter), black carbon, namely adsorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The role of PAHs in cancer and reproductive and cardiovascular disease was reviewed by Lewtas.2 One PAH, benzo[a]pyrene, has been shown to cause neuronal death in a mouse through a combination of increase in reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and proinflammatory cytokines.3 Smoking is a risk factor for cognitive decline,4 and both particulates and PAHs are important emissions from smoking tobacco.