Syracuse Sun

The Lerner Center has released a new research brief examining asthma prevalence in the United States, focusing on racial disparities. The brief is authored by Ali Jones, a Syracuse University student, and Marc A. Garcia, an associate professor in the sociology department at the Maxwell School.

Titled "What Factors Contribute to Racial Disparities in Asthma Prevalence in the United States?" the report highlights significant findings regarding Black-White disparities in asthma cases. According to the authors, "Racial and ethnic minorities have a higher prevalence of asthma in part due to poor living circumstances worsened by past housing segregation laws."

The study points out that proximity to major highways increases asthma risk, especially for children. This is attributed to heightened exposure to pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone. Additionally, economic and environmental barriers hinder access to adequate asthma care for people of color. This results in more emergency room visits, inadequate medical treatment, and increased mortality rates.

Overall, the research emphasizes that "asthma is strongly associated with where we live." It stresses how environmental factors like pollution and limited access to healthcare contribute significantly to higher asthma rates among Black communities compared to White ones.

For more information or interviews with the researchers, Ellen James Mbuqe, executive director of media relations at Syracuse University can be contacted at ejmbuqe@syr.edu.