Air pollution in cities can negatively impact the respiratory health of youth and adults.  Trees may help minimize the risk of respiratory problems by improving New York City’s air quality. 

Research on how trees interact with the air pollutants that aggravate respiratory illnesses, like asthma, helps researchers and educators understand the links among air pollution, vegetation, and respiratory health.  These results can then shape how educators and practitioners use vegetation to help New York City residents breathe better.

This wind tunnel was used to determine what impact trees have on removing pollution from air.