Air pollution exposure may alter the structure and brain chemistry of children, making them more anxious. A study found children exposed to more pollution had higher levels of myo-inositol in their brains, a metabolite linked to inflammation, Alzheimer's, and mental illness. Higher myo-inositol levels were connected to higher reported anxiety levels. Exposure to traffic-related air pollution may trigger brain inflammation and metabolic dysregulation, increasing risks for generalized anxiety.