GAP research group members presented their results at ERS Congress 2023

PhD student Robin Mzati Sinsamala’s research examined the effects of maternal exposure to air pollution and greenness during pregnancy on birth weight and preterm births. The findings suggest that reducing air pollution exposure and increasing exposure to green environments before and during pregnancy could enhance maternal health and foster healthier births, thereby benefiting future generations. This study attracted considerable media attention, was featured by the ERS media team, and received widespread coverage by various news outlets such as The times, Haelio, and The Economic Times.

PhD student Shanshan Xu explored the associations of long-term exposure to air pollution and greenness on the incidence of protracted cough. The findings indicated that particulate matter (PM_2.5) and black carbon (BC) were linked to increased risks of protracted cough symptoms, while living in green neighborhoods did not significantly affect cough incidence.

Master student Achenyo Peace Abbah from the GAP research group also presented her systematic review and meta-analysis at the congress. Her research focused on the impact of air pollution exposure on respiratory symptoms in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), indicating that long-term exposure to PM_2.5 increases the risk of asthma in these regions. The findings highlight the urgent need for more research on air pollution and respiratory health in LMICs.

The Life-GAP project PI, Prof. Ane Johannessen, presented a review on the effects of greenness exposure on various respiratory health outcomes. This review study revealed a generally beneficial effect of greenness on respiratory health, though specific impacts on respiratory mortality and development of certain respiratory diseases remain unclear and in need of more research endeavors.