05/10/2014
LETS TREK.....
Researchers discover link between tree cover and better respiratory health.
A new study claims trees can significantly slash rates of asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Scientists in the US measured nitrogen dioxide levels associated with traffic and other sources of air pollution by placing 144 sensors across the city of Portland.
The effect of nitrogen dioxide on human health can be significant because it contributes to lifelong respiratory illnesses.
Researchers then correlated street-level air quality data with maps of Portland's tree canopy and health records, and found tree cover had a significant impact on residents' respiratory health.
Their research concluded that, due to the city's tree cover, children age four to 12 avoided missing 7,380 school days due to asthma attacks, and people of all ages avoided 54 asthma-related hospital visits.
The study also claimed that there were 46 fewer hospital stays for people older than 65 because of respiratory illness, and estimated that all those health benefits would save $6.6 million.
Vivek Shandas, associate professor in Portland State University's Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning, said the project's findings would help inform discussions about how cities are designed.
"It also highlights potential environmental justice issues," Shandas said, "as a majority of the most mature trees - the most valuable for reducing air pollution -are located in wealthy neighbourhoods."
The study concluded that trees play such a vital role in cutting nitrogen dioxide levels, town planners must now find better ways to incorporate them into their designs.
