You may not be aware right now of all the wonderful functions your body is performing for you, and that’s the magic of biology; everything is so synchronically perfect that it seems like nothing. But for a moment, imagine that you will no longer be able to enjoy the smell of your coffee in the morning, the smell of rain, or the perfume of your loved ones, then the smell becomes extremely relevant. Unfortunately, it seems that this is what is happening to human beings; we are losing our ability to smell, a condition called anosmia.
What Is Anosmia?
Anosmia represents the loss of the sense of smell, either temporarily, partially, or permanently. The term became popular due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, in which the main symptom was loss of smell. But this is not the only cause of anosmia, it can also be allergies, common cases of flu, and some other more serious conditions such as diabetes or some tumors. But among the main causes of loss of smell, we also have a silent agent that surrounds us every moment: air pollution.
Researchers have found direct links between pollution and anosmia. In 2016 a review of scientific studies found 18 investigations where the loss of smell due to poor air quality was evidenced. This was reinforced when, in 2021, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Maryland analyzed the so-called PM2.5 and found a relationship with anosmia.
PM2.5 are airborne particles of less than 2.5 micrometers that we breathe in every second due to pollution. They are so small that they are certainly not visible to the naked eye; they are at least 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. However, their composition is not at all simple, they are made up of a variety of compounds from metals, dust, or even organic matter.
It is to be expected that PM2.5 is a health emergency, as it has already caused various diseases in the citizens of the world, especially in the respiratory system. But now these illnesses have been joined more and more strongly by the loss of smell. Research from John Hopkins University found that there is a 60% to 70% risk of losing one’s sense of smell due to prolonged exposure to PM2.5.
According to the researchers, the relationship between anosmia and pollution is linked to the olfactory nerve, whose nerve endings are located in the upper part of the nasal cavities, the direct pathway of PM2.5 materials.
Loss of Smell and Quality of Life
The ability to smell may not be so relevant at first glance, but smells are another way in which our mind apprehends reality. They are also alerts that can warn us of bad food or a certain environment that is toxic for us. Do not forget, also, the socioemotional part; we tend to generate stronger bonds with other beings through smells. Remember the smell of your loved ones or even your dog or cat, and you will see how smell is essential at all levels.
Anosmia is linked to the quality of life, even causing anxiety, reduced social interaction, and depression. The taste of food is another important factor, as inappetence usually appears at the same time as loss of smell.
Valuing and being surprised by all the wonderful functions of the human body, leads us to reflect on how much we have just by being healthy, let’s take care of our bodies.
Story written in Spanish by Alejandra Martínez in Ecoosfera
