Environmental factors are the most critical factors contributing to the increased prevalence of allergic and respiratory diseases worldwide. Early childhood exposure to biodiverse green spaces, gardening and soil exposure and early physical activity may have beneficial effects on reducing the incidence of respiratory and allergic diseases, with biological mechanisms not yet clear.

We know that green spaces are characterized by the biodiversity of animals, plants, and microorganisms. Exposure to biodiversity early in life has been shown to positively affect health outcomes, including childhood allergies and asthma, mainly by influencing immune system function precisely through the environmental microbiota or by removing air pollutants. We already have ample evidence showing how the diversity of bacteria on the skin or in the gut results from the microbial biodiversity of the surrounding environment and greenery. In particular, school-aged children living in areas with increased biodiversity had a greater genetic diversity of bacteria on their skin, resulting in a reduced risk of allergies.

The goal of this task force is to summarize previous research to determine what type of exposure to greenness is most beneficial immunologically and clinically, which diseases are susceptible to its beneficial effects and which are not. What age constitutes the window of opportunity for such intervention in relation to various allergic diseases.

Pediatrics Section

Chair: Wojciech Feleszko

Secretary: Isabela Pali-Schöll