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

The effects of green spaces on 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 outcomes up to adulthood. This project is based on a recently granted FWO project (see application). The project will use the PIPO birth cohort, containing information from birth to adolescence on the development of allergies, respiratory symptoms, lung function, anthropometrics, and allergic sensitization. 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) will be done using existing samples. Using that data, we will consider mediation effects of air pollution, body mass index, and oxidative stress during childhood. Direct and indirect effects of early life exposure to green spaces will be assessed through mediation analyses.

Keywords:GREEN SPACES, ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, LUNG DEVELOPMENT, AIR POLLUTION

Disciplines:Epidemiology