The article that I decided to read is entitled Air Pollution Harmful to Young Brains, Study Finds. The article was found on ScienceDaily, and the source is the University of Montana. It describes a study conducted to see if living in cities negatively impacts children’s blood-brain barriers and other functions that can cause long lasting effects on the body. The study tested the serum and cerebrospinal fluids in the brains of children living in an area with low pollution and children living in Mexico City. The main conclusion of this article is that the harmful chemicals and metals found in the air are being inhaled by children living in cities, and the effects of this can increase the risk of neurological defects including brain inflammation as well as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
The author of this article only references this one study done by Dr. Lilian Calderon-Garciduenas. The evidence that was used to back up this finding was the results found by the doctor. She found that the children who were living in Mexico City had high levels of autoantibodies that were harming the parts of the brain that protect us from viruses and bacteria. The author of the article does not show any bias, instead detailing the study that was done and also mentioning that the doctor who conducted the study would recommend doing a follow-up study. This article does not try to persuade the reader to believe that air pollution is the cause of this increase in autoantibodies, but does include many quotes from Dr. Calderon-Garcinduenas explaining how continuously exposing oneself to air pollutants will eventually cause long-term negative effects. More research can be done to provide evidence towards the consequences of air pollution for people who are exposed to it in their daily lives. For example, studies can be done in other cities such as New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The author does mention that the air pollution in other major cities can cause harm to the brain. This article does not show any opposing views on the subject of air pollution being the cause of the brain’s protective barriers deteriorating.
Good job Julia!