Population Disparities in Asthma

Asthma disproportionately affects children, families with lower incomes and minorities. Racial and ethnic disparities in childhood asthma are extensive: African American and Puerto Rican children have high prevalence rates, and African American children have dramatically higher mortality rates. Puerto Ricans have the highest prevalence of asthma attacks. Research by EPA scientists leads to targeted improvements in public health and environmental outcomes.

Air Pollution and Asthma

Poor Air Quality - Indoors and Outdoors - Can Cause and Exacerbate Asthma
Explore EPA asthma research in each of these descriptive posters that explains initial research questions, scientific method, findings, impacts and outcomes.

Cleaner Diesel Engines, Healthier Communities

Children and the elderly, especially those with asthma or other respiratory problems, are most sensitive to the health effects of diesel pollution. EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign helps communities to reduce exposures to diesel exhaust and the amount of air pollution created by diesel school buses and other vehicles.

(Running time = 7:31)

Spanish version: Fondos disponibles para proyectos de diesel limpio

Quiz: Who's Got Asthma?

Are you at risk for asthma? Check your understanding of some environmental and social factors that may make an individual more susceptible to asthma. Don't worry if you don't know all the answers; this quiz is an easy and fun way to learn why asthma is a major public health concern.

Science Notebook:
Asthma Topics

Meet the Scientist

Martha Sue Carraway, medical officer and scientist at EPA's Human Studies Facility in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, discusses her investigations into the respiratory and cardiovascular effects of air pollution exposure in older adults with asthma. (Running time = 5:04) View Audio Transcript

Lucas Neas, health scientist, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, talks about his work, including the Inner City Asthma Study, which evaluated the health benefits of feasible changes in the home environment of inner city children with moderate to severe asthma.
(Running time = 6:18) View Audio Transcript