It’s time to go green. According to the results of a study conducted by Spanish researchers and published in February 2022 in the journal International environmentlive next to green spaces you would significantly protect against the risk of stroke.
The study involved more than 3.5 million people, aged over 18 and with no history of stroke. In particular, the researchers analyzed the impact of levels of exposure of participants at home to three major pollutants : fine particles, nitrogen dioxide (a pollutant resulting from combustion) and black carbon. At the same time, they studied the number and density of spaces within a radius of 300 meters around their home.
And the results are clear: a higher incidence of stroke was observed when participants were exposed to air pollution for a long time, and in particular to nitrogen dioxide. The researchers even estimated that the risk of stroke increased by 4% for each 10 microgram increase of nitrogen dioxide per cubic meter.
16% fewer strokes for people living near green spaces
Conversely, the surrounding greenery made it possible to lower this incidence rate and would reduce the risk of stroke by 16%. “The study demonstrates the importance of environmental determinants in stroke risk. As the incidence, mortality and disability attributed to the disease are expected to increase in the coming years, it is important to understand all the risk factors involved.“, indicates Carla Avellaneda, one of the researchers of the study.
Previous studies had already shown the link between greenery and stroke, including milder stroke severities and higher survival rates after acute stroke. In addition, regular exposure to green spaces has a beneficial impact on health, particularly through mental restoration and stress reduction. Being exposed to green spaces is also often synonymous with the practice of physical activity. “People who are surrounded by higher levels of greenery in their place of residence would be better protected against the onset of a stroke“, continues the researcher.
The benefits of “blue spaces”
But green spaces are not the only ones responsible for our well-being. The “blue spaces” would improve our mood according to a study from the University of Barcelona published in 2020. They “may benefit mental health, although evidence is still sparse“, indicated the Spanish research team. After an analysis of the outputs of 59 employees in good health, the researchers found “a significant improvement in well-being and mood of participants after walking near a blue space compared to walking in the city or resting in the premises“.
Elements to be taken into account according to Carla Avellaneda in order to create healthier and more sustainable cities, to ensure the well-being and good health of its inhabitants.
Sources:
- Air pollution and surrounding greenness in relation to ischemic stroke: A population-based cohort study, International EnvironmentFebruary 2022
- Physical and mental health effects of repeated short walks in a blue space environment: A randomized crossover study, International Environment2020
Read also:
- Cloud of sand from the Sahara: what impact on health?
- Air pollution: it also affects our cognitive abilities
- Is your indoor air more toxic than that of a busy street? It would seem so
