The Coalition for Asthma-Free Homes
2016
Asthma is an environmental disease characterized by chronic lung inflammation and episodes of airway constriction. Nationally, about 1 in 11 children have asthma, but in some low-income areas of New York City, the childhood asthma rate is 1 in 4. Indoor health hazards directly contribute to the high asthma prevalence in NYC, and the average person spends 90% of their time indoors. Indoor levels of pollutants may be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor pollutant levels. The coalition has a prescription to address asthma and asthma disparities: healthy, affordable housing.