A new study released by the U.S. Forest Service suggests that the presence of trees in urban areas is associated with human health. Over 100 million trees were lost in the past two decades from infestations of the emerald ash borer. The study found that Americans living in areas where trees were devastated by the borer suffered an additional 15,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease and 6,000 more deaths from lower-respiratory disease when compared to uninfected areas over the twenty year period. Although the study shows a correlation between loss of trees and human mortality from cardiovascular and lower-respiratory disease, it did not prove a causal link. The reason for the association is yet to be determined.
To learn more: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130116163823.htm?goback=.gmp_104424.gde_104424_member_205526041