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Project

Exposure to surrounding green space during early life and the development of the respiratory and immune systems up to early adulthood. A prospective epidemiological study.

The effects of green spaces on allergy and respiratory health are unclear. Potential reasons for inconsistencies across studies are the study design (cross-sectional or short follow-ups), exposure measurement being limited to the residence, and limited consideration of potential mediators and modifiers (e.g. oxidative stress, maternal stress during pregnancy). Therefore, we propose a longitudinal study investigating the association of early life exposure to green spaces with respiratory and allergic outcomes up to adulthood. The project will use the PIPO birth cohort, containing information on early life exposure to residential green spaces, and the development of allergies, respiratory symptoms, lung function anthropometrics, and allergic sensitization from birth to adulthood. This project will add an early adulthood (20-24y) follow-up to the PIPO-data. Addresses (residences, day care/school/work) will be linked to measures of land use and greenness (Corine Land Cover, NDVI, etc.), and air pollutants. Further, measures of oxidative stress (9y) and cortisol in newborn hair (maternal stress) will be done using existing samples. Using that data, we will consider mediation effects of air pollution, body mass index, maternal stress during pregnancy, and oxidative stress during childhood. Direct and indirect effects of early life exposure to green spaces will be assessed through mediation analyses, and effect modification by maternal stress during pregnancy will be tested.
Date:1 Jan 2021 →  Today
Keywords:GREEN SPACES, ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, RESPIRATORY HEALTH
Disciplines:Epidemiology