A recent study has concluded that trees save 850 American lives annually from respiratory-related deaths.
Trees have long been known for having pollutant-removing qualities. When trees intercept pollution particles and their gasses diffuse within the leaves, they are absorbed by the water and transformed into acids. According to a recent study conducted by scientists with the U.S. Forest Service’s Northern Research Station in Newton Square, PA, trees are responsible for saving more than 850 American lives annually and eliminating up to 670,000 occurrences of acute respiratory symptoms.
The study represents the first ever nationwide estimate of the effect trees have on air pollution. Earlier studies concluded that trees were responsible for removing up to 711,000 tons of pollution every year. But what has never been conclusively decided upon is how trees remove pollution based on regional data, as the density of tree populations vary throughout the country. North Dakota has 2.6 percent tree coverage while New Hampshire experiences 88.9 percent.
One of the most significant discoveries of the study was that the reduction of pollution by trees was markedly higher in rural areas, but the human health benefits of trees reducing pollution was highest in urban areas.
Michael Rains, director of the Forest Service’s Northern Research Station and the Forest Products Laboratory, commented on the study, telling Medical News Today that “With more than 80% of Americans living in urban areas, this research underscores how truly essential urban forests are to people across the nation. Information and tools developed by Forest Service research are contributing to communities valuing and managing the 138 million acres of trees and forests that grace the nation’s cities, towns and communities.”
While trees are playing a vital role in our society’s overall respiratory health, to improve upon your indoor air quality contact US Air Purifiers Direct 2U to learn about the home air purifier products that can help make breathing easier in both the office and home.