Asthma Prevalence Among Children in the Bronx Michael Primiani Photo by Henry C http://www.flickr.com/photos/plasmonyc/8807499/

Asthma and Hospitalization Rates In the year 2000, hospitalization rates for children with asthma in New York City were almost double when compared to rates in the entire United States. Hospitalization rates due to asthma were greatest in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and parts of Manhattan. Of the five boroughs in New York City, the Bronx had the highest overall rates of hospitalizations and mortality caused by asthma for school-aged children. Although asthma is a serious disease, it can be controlled by avoiding allergens and utilizing anti-inflammatory medications. Photo by Nikar http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikar/3404881916/

High Traffic Expressways High traffic expressways are a main cause of pollution and their location near schools in the Bronx are a main cause for high asthma rates. Studies have shown that soot from diesel exhaust greatly contributes to the particle pollution and poor air quality in the Bronx. Black elemental carbon, organic carbon, sulfate and nitrate in diesel exhaust have been strongly correlated with high rates of children’s asthma. High traffic expressways in the Bronx include the Cross Bronx (I-95), Major Deegan (I-87), Bruckner (I-287) and Sheridan (I-895), and the Bronx River Parkway.

Cross Bronx Expressway (I-95) Photo by JMS2 http://www.flickr.com/photos/jms2/3169004252/

Major Deegan (I-87) and Cross Bronx Expressway (I-95) Photo by Zach K http://www.flickr.com/photos/zkorb/26459141/

Environmental and Indoor Allergens South Bronx Building Exposure to indoor allergens, such as cockroaches and dust mites, can cause recurrent and severe asthma attacks. Studies have shown that people who have skin allergies are at higher risk for being diagnosed with asthma Exposure to dust mite and cockroach allergens has been associated with high morbidity rates due to asthma. Children with asthma are at more risk when exposed to theses particular indoor allergens that from being exposed to dog or cat allergens. Poor maintenance of buildings throughout the Bronx could be a potential cause for the presence of indoor allergens. Photo by D.OM2 http://www.flickr.com/photos/7797958@N07/458240044/

Potential Solutions Improving the standard of living and maintenance of buildings in the Bronx. Alternate routes for diesel trucks, and new hybrid and fuel efficient technology should be utilized in taxis and trucks throughout New York City. More funds to improve mass transit could encourage more people to use public transportation to travel rather than drive. Funding for better education in poor communities, such as the South Bronx, to help increase income rates.

References Childhood Asthma Initiative: NYC DOHMH. Asthma Initiative. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. http://home2.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/asthma/asthma.shtml Garg, Renu, Adam Karpati, Jessica Leighton, Mary Perrin, and Mona Shah. 2003. Asthma Facts, Second Edition. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Huss, Karen, N. Franklin Adkinson, Perton A. Eggleston, Christopher Dawson, Mark L. Van Natta, and Robert G. Hamilton. 2001. House dust mite and cockroach exposure are strong risk factors for positive allergy skin test responses in the Childhood Asthma Management Program. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 107: 48-54. Kinney, Patrick L., Mary E. Northridge, Giner L. Chew, Erik Gronning, Everlyn Joseph, Juan C. Correa, Swati Prakash, Inge Goldstein. 2002. On the gront lines: an environmental asthma intervention in New York City. American Journal of Public Health 92: 24-26. Thurston, George D., Ariel Spira-Cohen, Lung Chi Chen. 2007. South Bronx Environmental Health Policy Study. New York University School of Medicine.