El. knyga: Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures

Since about 1980, asthma prevalence and asthma-related hospitalizations and deaths have increased substantially, especially among children. Of particular concern is the high mortality rate among African Americans with asthma.



Recent studies have suggested that indoor exposuresto dust mites, cockroaches, mold, pet dander, tobacco smoke, and other biological and chemical pollutantsmay influence the disease course of asthma. To ensure an appropriate response, public health and education officials have sought a science-based assessment of asthma and its relationship to indoor air exposures.



Clearing the Air meets this need. This book examines how indoor pollutants contribute to asthmaits causation, prevalence, triggering, and severity. The committee discusses asthma among the general population and in sensitive subpopulations including children, low-income individuals, and urban residents. Based on the most current findings, the book also evaluates the scientific basis for mitigating the effects of indoor air pollutants implicated in asthma. The committee identifies priorities for public health policy, public education outreach, preventive intervention, and further research.

Table of Contents



Front Matter Executive Summary 1 Major Issues in Understanding Asthma 2 Methodological Considerations in Evaluating the Evidence 3 Patterns of Asthma Morbidity and Mortality 4 Pathophysiological Basis of Asthma 5 Indoor Biologic Exposures 6 Indoor Chemical Exposures 7 Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke 8 Indoor Dampness and Asthma 9 Asthma and Nonresidential Indoor Environments 10 Impact of Ventilation and Air Cleaning on Asthma 11 Summary of Research Recommendations and Overall Conclusions Appendix A: Theoretical Considerations Relevant to the Influence of Ventilation and Air Cleaning on Exposures to Indoor-Generated Pollutants Appendix B: Workshop Summaries Appendix C: Committee and Staff Biographies Index