Living on a tree-lined street is not just idyllic, but good for your health. New research from England has shown that the presence of street trees can mitigate indoor air pollution stemming from vehicle traffic.
We may not think of traffic pollution as an indoor air problem, but in urban areas the particulate pollution generated by traffic can migrate into the rooms where we eat, sleep, and live. And it can be dangerous. Particulate pollution is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and reducing levels has been shown to increase life expectancy.
We already know trees are good for air quality. And a recent study conducted in Lancaster, England provides compelling evidence that street trees can effectively block homes from the unhealthy pollution of a busy street.
Researchers planted rows of birch trees along a residential street with traffic of more than 12,000 vehicles each day. Before and after installing the trees, they measured particulate pollution in adjacent homes, some of which were sheltered by the trees and some of which were not. Homes near the new trees benefited from a 50% reduction in particulate pollution.
Researchers also found clumps of pollutant particles on the trees’ leaves, showing they were able to capture the airborne particles before they made their way inside the homes.
These findings have important implications for urban planning and landscape design. While planting trees anywhere is a plus for the environment, strategic placement can maximize their benefits and shield residents from hazardous airborne pollutants, particularly in urban areas.
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Web Links
Can roadside trees screen houses from pollution?
http://conservationmagazine.org/2013/11/can-roadside-trees-screen-houses-pollution/
Impact of Roadside Tree Lines on Indoor Concentrations of Traffic-Derived Particulate Matter
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es404363m
Photo, taken on November 10, 2007, courtesy of William Warby via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Support for Earth Wise comes from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY.