As asthma rates rise in the United States, researchers and policymakers are looking at the impact housing quality has on adverse health outcomes. A new healthy homes module released with US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s American Housing Survey allows us to analyze the relationship between children with asthma and conditions in their homes.

A new Urban Institute report reveals that childhood asthma disproportionally affects renters, particularly publicly assisted renters, and causes higher emergency room use.

Asthma prevalence is often influenced by exposure to indoor allergens. We studied monthly exposure to smoke, musty smells, and roaches and rodents, as well as exposure to plumbing leaks, roof leaks, and mold.

Read the full article by Bhargavi Ganesh about asthma from Urban Institute