Improving Respiratory Health Through Urban Green Spaces; A Literature Review
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
In Person or Zoom Presentation
In-Person
Campus
Daytona Beach
Status
Student
Faculty/Staff Department
Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology
Student Year and Major
Senior, Aerospace Physiology
Presentation Description/Abstract
Respiratory diseases caused by air pollution make up 4.2 million deaths yearly. This study aims to analyze possible ways air pollution can be reduced through the creation of ‘green spaces’ in urban areas, consequently improving respiratory health and helping create more sustainable cities and community wellness. Green spaces are defined in this study as areas designated for plant life, whether in a specific region or integrated with urban architecture. A comprehensive literature review and data analysis were conducted to reinforce this idea, using sources from cardiovascular, pulmonary, and public health journals that reinforce nature’s ability to improve air quality. By evaluating both the physical and social benefits of an increase in urban green spaces, our study demonstrates how they reduce air pollutants, lower the incidence of respiratory diseases, and enhance community well-being. This study concluded that environmental health can be improved by relying on nature to make the air we breathe purer. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating green spaces into urban design as a possible strategy for solving this pertinent issue and emphasize the need for governments to prioritize these spaces in future city developments. Our research highlights the broader implications of this sustainable solution, advocating for creating healthier and greener cities that actively protect human and environmental health globally.
Keywords
Air pollution, forestation, respiratory health, environmental health, nature exposure, community wellness, urban ecology, green areas
Improving Respiratory Health Through Urban Green Spaces; A Literature Review
Respiratory diseases caused by air pollution make up 4.2 million deaths yearly. This study aims to analyze possible ways air pollution can be reduced through the creation of ‘green spaces’ in urban areas, consequently improving respiratory health and helping create more sustainable cities and community wellness. Green spaces are defined in this study as areas designated for plant life, whether in a specific region or integrated with urban architecture. A comprehensive literature review and data analysis were conducted to reinforce this idea, using sources from cardiovascular, pulmonary, and public health journals that reinforce nature’s ability to improve air quality. By evaluating both the physical and social benefits of an increase in urban green spaces, our study demonstrates how they reduce air pollutants, lower the incidence of respiratory diseases, and enhance community well-being. This study concluded that environmental health can be improved by relying on nature to make the air we breathe purer. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating green spaces into urban design as a possible strategy for solving this pertinent issue and emphasize the need for governments to prioritize these spaces in future city developments. Our research highlights the broader implications of this sustainable solution, advocating for creating healthier and greener cities that actively protect human and environmental health globally.