Better air, green spaces and urban environment can prevent 1 in 10 asthma cases: Study

IANS May 17, 2025 356 views

A groundbreaking study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that urban environmental factors significantly contribute to asthma development. Researchers discovered that approximately one in ten asthma cases could be prevented by improving city landscapes and reducing pollution. The comprehensive research analyzed nearly 350,000 participants across seven European countries, providing unprecedented insights into environmental health risks. This study highlights the critical role of urban planning in preventing respiratory diseases and improving overall public health.

"This finding is useful for politicians and others involved in urban planning" - Erik Melén, Karolinska Institutet Professor
New Delhi, May 17: The combination of air pollution, dense urban development and limited green spaces increases the risk of asthma in both children and adults, according to a new study.

Key Points

1

Comprehensive study spans 350,000 people across seven European countries

2

Environmental factors directly linked to asthma development

3

Urban planning can significantly reduce respiratory disease risk

4

Green spaces and air quality crucial for health prevention

Improving these can help prevent one in 10 cases of asthma -- a chronic respiratory condition characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult.

Previous studies have typically calculated the risk of one environmental factor at a time. The new study combined several environmental factors and described how they together affect the risk of developing asthma.

This provided a better picture of environmental risks, as life in a city usually involves exposure to several environmental risk factors at the same time

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet, in Sweden, found that 11.6 per cent of asthma cases could be explained by the combination of environmental factors.

In other words, in a favourable environment, approximately one in ten people with asthma would not have developed the disease.

The combination of air pollution, lack of green spaces, and dense urban development was most relevant for the development of asthma.

"This finding is useful for politicians and others involved in urban planning. The method makes it possible to identify risk areas in existing urban areas, but it can also be used when planning future urban environments," said Erik Melén, Professor at the Department of Clinical Research and Education.

The study covered nearly 350,000 people of different ages, from 14 cohorts in seven European countries.

Information on home addresses of each individual made it possible to link data on various environmental risks in the urban environment to individual people.

The environmental exposures included were air pollution, outdoor temperatures, and the level of urban density. The assessment was partly based on satellite images showing grey, green, or blue areas, i.e., where there were buildings, green spaces, or water.

During the study period, nearly 7,500 of the study participants developed asthma as children or adults. The researchers found

The researchers next aim to examine blood samples from some of the study participants to identify their metabolome, that is, a composite picture of the body's metabolism and breakdown products.

The purpose is to understand how external environmental factors affect the body, which could provide a better understanding of how asthma develops.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
This study hits home! In Delhi, we breathe toxic air 9 months a year. Our children are paying the price with rising asthma cases. Why can't our municipal corporations learn from such research? More trees, better urban planning - it's not rocket science! 🌳
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Rahul S.
Good research but why only European data? Indian cities have much worse pollution levels. Our BMC, MCD etc should commission similar studies here. The asthma rates in Mumbai/Delhi must be terrifying if 11% cases are preventable just by better environment.
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Ananya M.
As someone who developed asthma after moving to Bangalore, I can confirm this 100%. The concrete jungle with no parks plus traffic fumes is a deadly combo. Our cities need urgent green makeovers. Kudos to Chennai for their green corridor project - more cities should follow!
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Vikram J.
While the findings are important, we must also consider India's development needs. Can't stop urbanization completely. The solution is smart planning - vertical gardens, electric public transport, and strict pollution norms for industries. Balance is key.
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Sunita R.
My 8-year-old has asthma and we're planning to move out of Delhi. No amount of money is worth his health. The government needs to treat air pollution as a national health emergency. More public awareness campaigns like this study could help push for change.
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Karan P.
Interesting research but implementation is the challenge. In our colony, the so-called 'green space' is just decorative plants that require daily watering. We need native trees that actually improve air quality. Also, why no mention of indoor pollution? Many Indian homes have poor ventilation too.

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Tags:
Asthma Urban Health Environmental Risk Respiratory Disease Erik Melén Karolinska Institutet