Tree-lined streets stave off asthma in children

Published on Wednesday 30 April 2008 22:20

LIVING on a tree-lined street is not only good for property prices – it may also improve your children's health.

Youngsters growing up in avenues are less likely to develop asthma. Researchers in New York found lower rates of disease among children who lived in areas of the city with more trees.

Dr Gina Lovasi, from Columbia University, said: "Street trees may explain geographic variation in the prevalence of asthma within urban environments. Trees may help prevent asthma, either by encouraging outdoor play or through an effect on local air quality."

Some scientists suggest exposing youngsters to allergens such as pollen in their early years trains their immune systems to be less sensitive to allergens.