Green areas in cities are very important as they keep the air fresh and effectively reduce the risk of air pollution. They also encourage children to be more active and introduce them to many types of microbes. These microbes can help their immune system and keep them healthy. But these green areas can also increase the risk of some respiratory health problems. In a recent study conducted at the University of Ottawa, researchers have revealed that exposure to trees and pollen of weeds can increase the risk of asthma. Â
This research was recently published in the European Respiratory Journal. In this study, researchers used data of the Ontario ASTHMA cohort database of 8 years. They wanted to find the number of asthma cases in children under the age of 6. They almost studied 214,000 pairs of mothers and children. Researchers used the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and tree canopy within a 250 meter radius of the child’s home to measure their exposure to trees and pollen. Â
When researchers observed and studied the collected data, they found that approximately 13% of these children were diagnosed with asthma. It clearly shows us that green places in big cities can increase exposure to pollen and reduce the protective effects of tree canopies.Â
The results of this study clearly show that green places in cities have so many benefits, but they can be harmful for human health at the same time. This study is very important for urban planners and public health officials who focus on increasing the number of trees in cities. They should be aware of this information that it can harm children’s respiratory health. Â
The exposure to green areas and pollen of weeds can increase the risk of asthma for children under the age of 6. So, parents should pay more attention to their children when they go out to play. They should always check if their children are being exposed to them. The urban planners and public health officials should also arrange some weed pollen control programs. They should also find those types of trees that produce dangerous pollen and reduce their number. These types of strategies can help us reduce this risk. Â
Reference Link:Â Â
Cristina Stanescu et al, Early life exposure to pollens and increased risks of childhood asthma: a prospective cohort study in Ontario children, European Respiratory Journal (2024). Â
