ERS 2024 Hot Topic: Urbanization and Respiratory Health

During the ERS Congress 2024 (external link), Professor Ane Johannessen co-chaired the hot topic session (external link) "Overcoming the challenges of increasing urbanisation for respiratory health" alongside other renowned experts on 9 September 2024. The session focused on how adaptations in urban spaces could significantly improve respiratory health by positively mitigating risk factors and environmental exposures. 

During the session, researchers from the GAP research group, Alessandro Marcon (external link) and Randi Jacobsen Bertelsen, presented their work. Marcon presented "Greenness and innovative strategies for the advancement of urban respiratory health," while Bertelsen discussed "Consequences of climatic conditions on the urban indoor microbiome and resistome exposure."

The discussions underscored the necessity of strategic lifestyle changes and targeted environmental management starting from pre-puberty, shaping a global agenda for healthier urban living. This engaging session was well-received and featured in the Medical Digest's congress report. Professor Johannessen and associate Professor Alessandro Marcon, provided further insights during interviews at the congress.

For more information, visit the Medical Digest interviews:

• Overcoming the challenges of increasing urbanization on respiratory health. (external link)
• How to change urban areas to improve life of allergic patients? (external link)