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City Trees Cut Fall Injuries, Study Finds
29 Nov
Summary
- More urban tree cover significantly reduces injurious falls.
- Extreme heat from city 'heat islands' exacerbates fall risks.
- Trees cool temperatures, improving walkability and safety.
Urban trees offer a surprising benefit beyond shade and beauty: they may help reduce the number of injurious falls on city streets and sidewalks. Research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology examined health records, revealing that greater tree canopy cover correlated with a decreased likelihood of falls.
The study highlights that outdoor falls are heavily influenced by environmental factors, unlike indoor falls. Cities, acting as 'heat islands,' experience extreme temperatures that can cause dizziness and impaired judgment. Pavement under heat can also crack, creating tripping hazards. Trees effectively counteract this by lowering ambient temperatures, making cities more walkable.
While tree planting campaigns are common, they sometimes face controversy due to sidewalk damage. However, policy changes that facilitate urban tree planting safely could yield substantial public health improvements. The findings suggest a simple yet effective environmental action for safer city living.
