The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) published guidelines on the importance of green space in urban environments for allergy and asthma prevention. The guidelines look at the evidence, including the rising burden of allergy and asthma epidemic in cities, and sets out eight recommendations. The focus is to encourage safer and more consistent exposure to “greenness” to support immune health and reduce risks linked to air pollution and heatwaves.
EFA was invited to contribute to the guidelines. We worked with our community to bring the perspective of allergy and asthma patients. EFA member organisations are acknowledged in the document for their contribution: the Organisation for Respiratory Health in Finland (Hengitysliitto), the Spanish Association for People with Food and Latex Allergy (AEPNAA), the Bosnian Association of Patients with Asthma, Allergies and Atopic Dermatitis (AAA) and Allergy UK. EFA Senior Policy Advisor Panagiotis Chaslaridis is also among the co-authors of the guidelines.
What is key in green spaces for EFA Community?
EFA supports the core direction of the guidelines. Green spaces can support prevention and can also help people already living with allergy and asthma. For this to work in real life, policy decisions need to make green spaces accessible, usable and safe.
A key point in EFA’s input is urban planning. As an overall goal for policymakers and urban planning, EFA suggested the 3-30-300 rule for urban forestry. This means people should be able to see at least three trees from their home, neighbourhood should aim for 30% tree canopy cover and residents should not live more than 300 metres from the nearest park or green space.
“More green” must also mean “safe green”
EFA also highlighted that “more green” must not create new barriers for people with allergies. The type of trees and plants chosen are important. Cities should prioritise non-allergenic species when possible, while taking local climate and context into account. Otherwise, allergenic pollen can make parks and green areas difficult to use for people with pollen allergy during the allergy season.
Sometimes, cities prioritise native tree species to support local biodiversity. However, some native species produce high levels of allergenic pollen, which can exacerbate conditions like asthma and allergic rhinitis. EFA therefore recommends balancing native planting with allergy concerns by selecting native species with low allergenic potential, avoiding single-species planting and using varied selection.
Where practicable, EFA also recommends practical avoidance/reduction measures, including wearing a mask, wrap-around sunglasses and a hat with a brim.
Beyond green spaces: soil sealing and indoor health risks
We noted that urban design choices go beyond trees and parks. Extensive soil sealing with asphalt and concrete increases flood risk and can contribute to damages in the buildings, excessive moisture and mould. Damp and mould are big triggers of respiratory symptoms and can increase health risks for people living with chronic respiratory diseases.
Finally, EFA pointed to schools and kindergartens as where prevention can start early. These are everyday environments for children and should be included in the green space planning. EFA also urged that curricula reflect the link between green space and health.
Read the full EAACI Guideline document here. EFA thanks all members that provided useful information and comments.