A recent study published in Environmental Research suggests that breathing polluted air may alter the physical development of the brain during adolescence. The findings indicate that exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide is associated with an accelerated thinning of the cortex, particularly in regions responsible for emotional regulation and complex thinking. This research suggests that the environment in which a young person lives plays a role in their neurological maturation. Air pollution is a global health issue that affects people in both industrial and developing nations. Most of the global population breathes air that exceeds safety guidelines established by the World Health Organization. This pollution is a complex mixture of gases and particles derived from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and wildfires. “This study grew out of a broader effort to understand how common environmental exposures shape health, particularly for some of our most vulnerable populations. With increasing wildfires, industrialization, and urbanization, many children are now exposed to air pollution more frequently and for longer periods of time. We wanted to better understand how …