A recent study conducted as part of a major EU collaboration led by researchers from Karolinska Institutet has shed light on the increased risk of asthma due to a combination of air pollution, dense urban development, and limited green spaces. Published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe, the study analyzed nearly 350,000 individuals across seven European countries to explore how various environmental factors in urban areas contribute to the development of asthma.
By linking data on environmental risks such as air pollution, outdoor temperatures, and urban density to individual participants’ home addresses, the researchers were able to paint a comprehensive picture of how these factors collectively influence asthma risk. Using satellite images to distinguish between built-up areas, green spaces, and water bodies, the study revealed that the combination of air pollution, lack of green spaces, and dense urban development was most relevant for the development of asthma.
Interestingly, the study found that approximately 11.6% of asthma cases could be attributed to the combined effects of these environmental factors. This suggests that in a more favorable environment, about one in ten individuals with asthma may not have developed the condition. These findings offer valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers, highlighting the importance of considering multiple environmental factors when designing and developing urban spaces.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to analyze blood samples from study participants to better understand how external environmental factors impact the body’s metabolism and contribute to the development of asthma. This metabolomic approach could provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying asthma and inform targeted intervention strategies.
The study was conducted as part of the EU project EXPANSE, which aims to investigate how various environmental factors collectively influence the risk of diseases such as asthma, stroke, heart attack, COPD, and diabetes. By considering the individual exposome, or total exposure to environmental factors, researchers hope to gain a more comprehensive understanding of disease development and prevention.
For more information, the study titled “External exposome and incident asthma across the life course in 14 European cohorts: a prospective analysis within the EXPANSE project” can be accessed in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. Additional details and findings from the study can be found in the publication, DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101314.
This groundbreaking research was conducted by a team of experts from Karolinska Institutet, underscoring the institution’s commitment to advancing our understanding of environmental health and disease prevention. To stay updated on the latest research and findings from Karolinska Institutet, visit their official website.
