Living near green spaces has been linked to a reduced risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Rutgers Health. The study, published in Environment International, focused on the impact of exposure to green spaces during critical periods of early childhood development on neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, ASD, and other developmental delays.
The researchers found that access to green spaces before and during pregnancy, as well as in early childhood, was associated with a lower risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. This association was particularly strong among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, highlighting the potential benefits of enhancing green space access in urban environments.
Using data from more than 1.8 million mother-child pairs enrolled in Medicaid, the researchers measured green space exposure through satellite imaging of vegetation levels near mothers’ residential ZIP codes. The analysis revealed that higher levels of green space exposure were linked to a decreased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children, even after adjusting for various confounders.
Interestingly, the study also found that the timing of green space exposure played a role in its impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes. Prenatal exposure was associated with a lower risk of ASD, while preconception exposure was linked to a reduced risk of intellectual disability. Early childhood exposure to green space was protective against learning difficulties, with the strongest protective associations observed among children living in urban areas and among Black and Hispanic children.
The researchers emphasized the need for public health policies that expand access to green spaces for pregnant individuals and young children, especially in vulnerable areas. They suggested that increasing green space access could be a modifiable environmental strategy to reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly among low-income populations.
Future research will delve into the biological and environmental mechanisms underlying the association between green space and neurodevelopment, as well as explore the long-term cognitive and behavioral health outcomes into adolescence. Additionally, researchers will investigate how exposure to different types of green spaces, such as parks, walking trails, and recreational fields, may impact neurodevelopment.
In conclusion, the study’s findings highlight the potential benefits of green space exposure on neurodevelopmental outcomes and underscore the importance of urban planning strategies that enhance residential greenness. By prioritizing access to green spaces, policymakers and communities can support the healthy development of children and reduce the burden of neurodevelopmental delays.
