Exposure of pediatric asthma patients to mountain forests and monoterpenes: health campuses results

Two health campuses were established in the Italian Apennines. In Tuscany, the Doganaccia site (1500 to 1800 m a.s.l.) was chosen due to a remarkably natural State forest, very low pollution levels, high content of airborne monoterpenes, extraordinary mental health effectiveness, very easy accessibility, accommodation capacity, infrastructures for children’s activities, and strong support by local institutions, a highly reputed pediatric hospital and other local associations. Early psycho-physiological outcomes following the first stay at Doganaccia campus are discussed. In Calabria, the site of Montescuro, a fully natural area in the Sila National Park (1500 to 1800 m a.s.l.), had very low pollution levels, very high content of airborne monoterpenes, good mental health effectiveness, easy accessibility, accommodation capacity, availability of infrastructure for children’s activities, and strong support offered by local institutions and associations, and the local Air Force district. Social equity was pursued prioritizing and waving children with certified disability, living in socioeconomic hardship and in highly polluted areas. A pediatrician, a pulmonologist/ allergist and a psychologist are present during the participants’ stay at each health campus.