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Urban Tree Canopy and Asthma, Wheeze, Rhinitis, and Allergic Sensitization to Tree Pollen in a New York City Birth Cohort
Gina S. Lovasi,1 Jarlath P. M. O’Neil-Dunne,2 Jacqueline W. T. Lu,3 Daniel Sheehan,1,4 Matthew S. Perzanowski,5 Sean W. MacFaden,2 Kristen L. King,3 Thomas Matte,6 Rachel L. Miller,5 Lori A. Hoepner,5 Frederica P. Perera,5 Andrew Rundle1
1Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, New York City, New York, USA; 2University of Vermont, Spatial Analysis Laboratory, Burlington, Vermont, USA; 3New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Forestry, Horticulture and Natural Resources, New York City, New York, USA; 4Columbia University, Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy, New York City, New York, USA; 5Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, New York City, New York, USA; 6New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York City, New York, USA
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Abstract
Background: Urban landscape elements and trees in particular have the potential to affect airflow, air quality, and production of aeroallergens. Several large-scale urban tree planting projects have sought to promote respiratory health, yet evidence linking tree cover to human health is limited.
Objectives: We sought to investigate the association of tree canopy cover with subsequent development of childhood asthma, wheeze, rhinitis, and allergic sensitization.
Methods: Birth cohort study data were linked to detailed geographic information systems data characterizing 2001 tree canopy coverage based on LiDAR and multispectral imagery within 0.25 km of the prenatal address. 549 Dominican or African American children born in 1998-2006 had outcome data assessed by validated questionnaire or based on IgE antibody response to specific allergens including a tree pollen mix.
Results: Tree canopy coverage did not significantly predict age 5 outcomes, but was positively associated with asthma and allergic sensitization at age 7. Adjusted risk ratios (RRs) per standard deviation of tree canopy coverage were 1.17 for asthma (95% CI: 1.02, 1.33), 1.20 for any specific allergic sensitization (95% CI: 1.05, 1.37), and 1.43 for tree pollen allergic sensitization (95% CI: 1.19, 1.72).
Conclusions: Results did not support the hypothesized protective association of urban tree canopy coverage with asthma or allergy-related outcomes. Tree canopy cover near the prenatal address was associated with higher prevalence of allergic sensitization to tree pollen. Information was not available on sensitization to specific tree species or individual pollen exposures, and results may not be generalizable to other populations or geographic areas.
Citation: Lovasi GS, O’Neil-Dunne JP, Lu JW, Sheehan D, Perzanowski MS, MacFaden S, King KL, Matte T, Miller RL, Hoepner LA, Perera FP, Rundle A. Environ Health Perspect (): .doi:10.1289/ehp.1205513
Received: May 23, 2012; Accepted: January 14, 2013; Online: January 15, 2013
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