When the environment gives us a headache: the impact of climate change

Air pollution: a potential trigger

Air quality can make a real difference to people who suffer from headaches, particularly during the summer months. An Israeli research team set out to investigate the link between air pollution and migraine. Over a ten-year period, the researchers analysed data from more than 7,000 people with migraine. Using environmental monitoring data, they estimated how much the participants were exposed to air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter. They wanted to establish whether exposure to these pollutants was associated with a greater risk of needing medical treatment for a migraine attack.

The results showed that the risk of migraine symptoms requiring medical treatment increased by about 40% when NO₂ levels were high. The researchers also found that nitrogen oxides had an even greater effect on migraine activity when hot weather coincided with low humidity. This finding was unsurprising, given that strong sunlight promotes chemical reactions that lead to the formation of additional air pollutants from nitrogen oxides. Higher levels of nitrogen oxides may also affect the way the trigeminal nerve interacts with blood vessels. Researchers have long suspected that this process stimulates the release of inflammatory messenger substances that contribute to migraine attacks. You can find out more about the role of the trigeminal nerve in this article.

And there is more to consider. Heat causes the body to lose substantial amounts of water, and intense sunlight exposes us to high levels of UV radiation. Together with air pollution, these factors can create a particularly harmful combination during the summer months – affecting those living with migraine as well as people who experience tension-type headaches. The authors of the study summarised their findings like this: people who are predisposed to migraine may be affected on two fronts. Prolonged periods of heat increase the overall risk of attacks, while rising levels of air pollution can act as direct triggers.

Implications for Europe

The levels of air pollution measured in the Israeli study were similar to those regularly recorded in the EU. The findings could therefore be relevant to people living in Europe, too. Air pollution may increase the risk of migraine here as well, at least during the summer months. And the issue is becoming harder to ignore. Climate change is pushing summer temperatures higher across the European continent, increasing the likelihood of prolonged periods of extreme heat. The record temperatures reached during the European heatwaves of summer 2026 underline the need for similar research for Europe. There is a clear need to establish whether the findings of the Israeli researchers are transferable to European populations.

Climate change is also worsening tension-type headaches

Research into the effects of environmental conditions on headaches has traditionally focused on migraine. One reason may be the high levels of suffering associated with migraine attacks, which have encouraged researchers to look for better ways to prevent and relieve migraines. Nevertheless, tension-type headaches have also made it onto the scientific agenda, with research increasingly suggesting that environmental toxins and pollutants from human activities are powerful triggers of tension-type headaches as well. It is now clear that high levels of nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter and UV radiation not only increase the risk of migraine attacks, but can also contribute to tension-type headaches. Another important factor is heat stress, which occurs when, as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures, the body absorbs or generates more heat than it can get rid of.

As heatwaves become more severe, all these effects increase in intensity. And again, climate change is making matters worse. In recent years, both peak temperatures and the duration of hot spells have risen almost continuously. It seems inevitable that these changes will also make tension-type headaches more frequent.

Extreme heat, wildfires – and a surge in headaches

The summer of 2026 brought the link between fine particulate matter and headache disorders sharply into focus. As reported in the Ärzteblatt and elsewhere, extensive wildfires in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Ontario led to a significant increase in emergency department visits for migraine and tension-type headache. A research team in Ottawa found that migraine accounted for 86% of these emergency visits. The remaining 14% were due to tension-type headache. The researchers also found that particles released by the wildfires were the sole factor responsible for the increase in headache symptoms. Germany’s Federal Environment Agency considers particulate matter from wildfires to be more harmful to health than the particles typically found in large cities. This means the impact of wildfires extends beyond the immediate threat to people living in affected areas. For those with headache disorders, the resulting air pollution can bring further suffering, even after the immediate emergency has passed.

What can be done?

The growing problem of air pollution is being addressed on both an international and European level. The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its air quality guidelines. For fine particulate matter measuring up to 2.5 micrometres in diameter (PM₂.₅), it recommends an annual average concentration of 5 micrograms per cubic metre of air as a guideline for long-term exposure. The EU is set to incorporate these directives, which will be transposed into national law by the end of 2026. European legislation will also introduce stricter limits for nitrogen oxides from 2030. These measures are an important step towards cleaner air and could help reduce the health risks associated with pollution.

There are also things we can do in our daily lives. During periods of extreme summer heat, try to avoid outdoor activities where possible. It also pays to steer clear of busy roads, where vehicle emissions add to the pollution in the air. Essentially, the aim is to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your respiratory system, sensory organs and nervous system. Every particle of fine particulate matter and every trace of nitrogen oxide that you avoid inhaling reduces your exposure to air pollution and may help lower your risk of headaches. For more general support with headache prevention, we also recommend our Prevent Headache app. It provides evidence-based guidance all year round, helping you to keep on track with your headache prevention whatever the season, not just in summer.