Study finds link between childhood exposure to green spaces and improved lung function in 35,000 children across eight countries.
- A study involving 35,000 children from eight countries found a strong link between exposure to green spaces in early childhood and better lung function.
- The research used data from 10 European birth cohorts and measured lung function using spirometry tests.
- Statistical analysis showed that children living in greener neighborhoods had higher lung function, specifically higher forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second.
- The positive association between living in greener areas and lung function was observed regardless of socioeconomic status but was stronger in children from higher socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Possible mechanisms behind this link include reduced air pollution, exposure to beneficial microbiota, and increased physical activity due to play areas in green spaces, which can all influence lung function development in childhood.
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Pediatrics, Pulmonary Medicine, Public Health & Prevention