Urban Environments and Their Impact on Asthma Development

Urban living environments significantly influence the risk of developing asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition affecting approximately 260 million people worldwide. Recent research highlights how various environmental factors within cities—such as air pollution, limited green spaces, and built environments dominated by concrete and asphalt—jointly contribute to increased asthma risk across all age groups.

The study, which analyzed data from over 349,000 participants aged from birth to 70 years across 14 European cohorts, examined three major environmental exposures: air quality, the extent of accessible green spaces, and ambient temperature. These factors were linked to participants' home addresses at the study's start, allowing researchers to assess how different levels of exposure impact the likelihood of developing asthma.

Findings showed that adults exposed to high levels of air pollution had a 13% greater chance of developing asthma, while children faced an 18% increased risk. Similarly, areas lacking green spaces increased asthma risk by 15% for adults and a striking 38% for children. The combined effect of exposure to poor air quality, minimal green space, and urban infrastructure primarily made from concrete and asphalt was even more concerning, elevating adults' risk by 27% and children's by 35%. Notably, even environments without high pollution, but with built-up surfaces and sparse green spaces, posed up to a 36% risk increase.

These insights emphasize the critical role urban planning plays in respiratory health. The research suggests that nearly 12% of new asthma cases worldwide could be attributed to adverse urban environmental factors. As cities grow, it becomes increasingly vital to design urban landscapes that reduce air pollution, increase green spaces, and build resilience against extreme temperatures, thereby helping to curb the rising prevalence of asthma.

This study underscores the importance of rethinking city design and environmental policies to promote healthier living conditions and prevent respiratory diseases like asthma—particularly as urban populations continue to expand. Strategies that incorporate cleaner air, more parks, and climate-resilient infrastructure can significantly mitigate the health burden caused by urbanization.

For more details, see the original study: Zhebin Yu et al, External exposome and incident asthma across the life course in 14 European cohorts: a prospective analysis within the EXPANSE project, The Lancet Regional Health - Europe (2025). Source: medicalxpress.com