Study: Urban Green Space Improves Respiratory Health in Children

There is yet another reason why urban green space is good for us, according to scientists in Spain. Researchers examined 35,000 kids from eight different European countries. They found a strong link between exposure to green space in early childhood and better lung function.

The meta-analysis was conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. The scientists studied data on exposure to green space from both pregnancy and childhood and measured lung function using spirometry tests. These tests measure how much air a person can breathe in and out, as well as how quickly they can exhale. Researchers also used satellite images to estimate the amount of vegetation around the participants’ homes. They found that the children living in greener neighborhoods had better lunch function, and those who lived further away had lower lung volume.

To learn more about what scientists found click here.

To learn more, download the TurfMutt Foundation’s International Backyarding Fact Book here. To learn more about the TurfMutt Foundation, visit TurfMutt.com, or sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with backyarding tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation here. Look for Mulligan the TurfMutt on the CBS Lucky Dog television show on Saturday mornings.