Urban Tree Canopy and Asthma, Wheeze, Rhinitis, and Allergic Sensitization to Tree Pollen in a New York City Birth Cohort

• DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1205513
• Publication Date: 2013-01-15T20:10:19Z
• Authors: Gina S. Lovasi; Jarlath P.M. O’Ne...; Jacqueline W.T. Lu; Daniel Sheehan; Matthew S. Perzan...; Sean W. MacFaden; Kristen L. King; Thomas Matte; Rachel L. Miller; Lori A. Hoepner; Frederica P. Perera; Andrew Rundle
• Keywords: Wheeze; Tree canopy; Aeroallergen

Urban landscape elements, particularly trees, have the potential to affect airflow, air quality, and production of aeroallergens. Several large-scale urban tree planting projects sought promote respiratory health, yet evidence linking cover human health is limited.We investigate association canopy with subsequent development childhood asthma, wheeze, rhinitis, allergic sensitization.Birth cohort study data were linked detailed geographic information systems characterizing 2001 coverage based on LiDAR (light detection ranging) multispectral imagery within 0.25 km prenatal address. A total 549 Dominican or African-American children born in 1998-2006 had outcome assessed by validated questionnaire IgE antibody response specific allergens, including a pollen mix.Tree did not significantly predict outcomes at 5 years age, but was positively associated asthma sensitization 7 years. Adjusted risk ratios (RRs) per standard deviation 1.17 for (95% CI: 1.02, 1.33), 1.20 any 1.05, 1.37), 1.43 1.19, 1.72).Results support hypothesized protective allergy-related outcomes. Tree near address higher prevalence pollen. Information available species individual exposures, results may be generalizable other populations areas.