Home air and adult asthma in Texas ^{CEFR B2}

A statewide study in Texas found that improving the indoor environment can reduce asthma attacks and other complications in adults. The work, led by doctoral student Alexander Obeng at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health, analyzed data on 1,600 adults with asthma collected between 2019 and 2022 and was published in Atmosphere. The researchers measured four outcomes: asthma attacks, symptoms, sleep problems and limits on daily activities.

The analysis identified two consistent home triggers: the absence of exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms and smoking inside the home. People who smoked or who did not use portable air purifiers were more likely to report attacks, frequent symptoms, sleep disturbance and limits on daily activities. By contrast, adults living in homes without mold, mice or rats and without furry pets reported fewer asthma issues. The team noted that air conditioning, common across much of Texas during warmer months, reduces natural ventilation and can raise indoor pollutant levels. They also observed that many older homes, mobile homes and multi-unit residences have excess moisture and pest problems.

Data from the study showed that women, older adults and Black adults experienced more asthma complications than other groups, and the researchers linked these differences to disparities in income, housing quality and access to health care. The team recommended several steps: financial help such as vouchers or subsidies to help low-income families buy portable air purifiers and improve ventilation; stronger requirements for landlords to maintain healthy indoor air and fix ventilation issues; and better education from health care professionals to teach patients how to remove triggers like dust or mold. The authors also noted that adults spend as much as 90% of their time indoors, where air can be dirtier than outdoors, so adequate home changes could help manage asthma more effectively.