Health Outcomes - Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. Asthma, a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways, can result in periodic obstruction which impedes adequate airflow. In most cases, asthma can be controlled with proper medications and minimizing asthma triggers. However, great disparities exist for asthma outcomes in children. Many of the Healthy People 2020 objectives track childhood asthma. Do your own search (see the link to Healthy People 2020 below). What are some of the disparities you notice? Why do they exist? What are some potential interventions at the individual, community and policy level that could improve these health outcomes?

National Health Statistics

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Local Health Statistics

How are we doing locally?

Policy Statements

American Academy of Pediatrics (All documents are verbatim abstracts)

PEDIATRICS Vol. 114 No. 6 December 2004, pp. 1699-1707 (doi:10.1542/peds.2004-2166)

Ambient Air Pollution: Health Hazards to Children

Committee on Environmental Health
Ambient (outdoor) air pollution is now recognized as an important problem, both nationally and worldwide. Our scientific understanding of the spectrum of health effects of air pollution has increased, and numerous studies are finding important health effects from air pollution at levels once considered safe. Children and infants are among the most susceptible to many of the air pollutants. In addition to associations between air pollution and respiratory symptoms, asthma exacerbations, and asthma hospitalizations, recent studies have found links between air pollution and preterm birth, infant mortality, deficits in lung growth, and possibly, development of asthma. This policy statement summarizes the recent literature linking ambient air pollution to adverse health outcomes in children and includes a perspective on the current regulatory process. The statement provides advice to pediatricians on how to integrate issues regarding air quality and health into patient education and children's environmental health advocacy and concludes with recommendations to the government on promotion of effective air-pollution policies to ensure protection of children's health.

Key Words: air pollution • adverse effects • children • asthma • environmental health

Abbreviations: PM2.5, particulate matter with a median aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 µm • PM10, particulate matter with a median aerodynamic diameter less than 10 µm • EPA, Environmental Protection Agency • HAP, hazardous air pollutant • AQI, air quality index

Full policy statement »