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Is City Living Bad For Your Health?

Living in a big city certainly has its perks, but research suggests that air and noise pollution and a lack of green spaces can be detrimental to our health and well-being.

By Carla Delgado
Nov 9, 2021 4:30 PM
urban life
(Credit: Varavin88/Shutterstock)

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There's no denying the appeal of cities The fast-paced atmosphere buzzes with a palpable energy that can make even the most mundane task feel more exciting. Living in a big city has its perks, such as the wide array of career options, great availability of cultural and social opportunities and convenience of mass transportation services, among many others. More than half of the world’s population currently lives in urban areas, which is expected to grow in the years to come.

However, there are also unique disadvantages of city living — particularly, the potential health risks that come along with it. Research shows that city dwellers may be vulnerable to certain physical and mental health threats that come from exposure to different types of pollution, as well as the deficit of nature and green spaces. If you live in a city, here’s how the “concrete jungle” can affect your health.

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