Study shows vegetation is key to reducing asthma in urban areas

Who doesn’t love tree-lined streets anyway?

Anyone who has asthma or whose child suffers from the respiratory condition knows exactly just how traumatic and frightening an asthma attack can be. A study by the University of Exeter showed that trees really do play a major role in reducing the rates of asthma attacks however. Published today in the Environmental International Journal, researchers examined data taken from over 650,000 serious asthma attacks across 26,455 urban neighbourhoods in England, over a period of 15 years. It is the largest ever study to look at the effects of greenery in urban areas. As we know, urban areas can have very high rates of pollution. But the research shows, by planting more trees in these areas, the effects of air pollution from cars would be greatly reduced. Of course, pollen can be incredibly irritating for those with asthma. But researchers claimed that “on balance, urban vegetation appears to do significantly more good than harm,” because in highly polluted urban areas, the pollution-absorbing effect of trees is greater than their impact on allergies. According to the Asthma Society of Ireland, Ireland has the fourth highest rate of asthma in the world, with over 470,000 adults and children suffering with the condition. It is said that modern lifestyles, diet, a more sterile environment and changes in housing may have contributed to the rise in asthma. So, perhaps it’s time to leave behind the grey urban jungle and plant some more beautiful trees!