The number of children with asthma has doubled in the past 15 years, thus making it the leading chronic disease of childhood and cause of school absenteeism. While 5.36% of New Hampshire’s residents are estimated to have asthma, local level data is limited. The study objective is to examine the prevalence of asthma among children in public elementary schools, and the contribution of indoor and outdoor air pollutants. The Greater Manchester Asthma Alliance developed and implemented a surveillance system to determine the prevalence of asthma among students, and identify cases of undermanaged asthma. A survey to identify diagnosed and undiagnosed asthmatics was conducted. Possible asthmatics were screened and referred to providers when warranted. Diagnosed asthmatics were administered a questionnaire on severity, triggers, and medication usage. Primarily diagnosed asthma visit data will be obtained from school nurse, local hospital, and emergency room visits; and air quality data will be obtained from both indoor and outdoor fixed air-monitoring stations. Air pollution data will include measures of toxic and criteria air pollutants, particulate matter, and non-methane hydrocarbons. The temporal association between the pattern in air pollution and school nurse and hospital data will be examined by analyzing weather variables. The results of this study will allow Manchester, NH to increase awareness of asthma triggers; assess the impact of air toxics on asthma episodes; lead to reductions in doctor and emergency room visits, and lost time from work and school; and improve the quality of life of children with asthma in an urban environment.
Learning Objectives: 1. Articulate the relationship between air pollution and childhood asthma. 2. Describe the prevalence of asthma in Manchester, NH. 3. Discuss possible asthma intervention or prevention programs for a diverse inner city community.
Keywords: Air Pollutants, Environmental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.