Large-scale European study supports link between green spaces and lung function

A recent large-scale study involving 35,000 children from eight countries reveals a significant link between exposure to green spaces during early childhood and improved lung function. Led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), this research was published in Environment International. Data was collected from 10 European birth cohorts across Denmark, France, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK. Data was collected on green spaces both during pregnancy, as well as during childhood (aged 3-12). Children living in greener neighbourhoods showed better lung function, with greater lung capacity. Those living further from green spaces showed diminished lung capacity. The positive effects of green spaces on lung function were observed across all socioeconomic groups, but the impact was greater among children from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. This could be due to access to better-quality green areas. Interestingly, the study found no association between residential greenness during pregnancy and lung function, suggesting the key period for the benefits of green spaces is during childhood.