Impact of LEED-certified affordable housing on asthma in the South Bronx.
Prog Community Health Partnersh
; 7(1): 29-37, 2013.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23543019
BACKGROUND: Green housing reduces energy costs and may mitigate indoor allergens and pollutants, improving asthma morbidity. High asthma burden is seen in low-income neighborhoods. Past studies show improvements in respiratory symptoms when living in green homes. OBJECTIVE: Develop partnership with Blue Sea Development Company to determine impacts of living in Melrose Commons V (MCV), a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum-certified affordable housing complex, on asthma in the South Bronx. METHODS: Participants completed a home-based respiratory health questionnaire before moving into MCV. Follow-up occurred at 6, 12, and 18 months post-move. A home-based educational module was delivered on indoor environmental interventions to avoid asthma triggers. A pretest was given before the module and a posttest was given 9 months later, including an evaluation of behavioral practice changes. RESULTS: Outcomes included decreases in continuous daily respiratory symptoms (p < .001), asthma symptoms disrupting sleep in the past month (p = .028), and urgent visits to a healthcare professional for asthma in the past 3 months (p = .038). Clinically relevant outcomes included fewer days with asthma symptoms; asthma episodes; days of work, school, or daycare missed; and emergency department visits. Education changes from pretest to posttest included increased knowledge about dust mites, roaches, mold, and chemical irritants (p = .007). Common behavioral changes included using hypoallergenic mattress covers, using green cleaning products, and eliminating bedroom carpets. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the beneficial effect of LEED Platinum-certified buildings on respiratory health. Trends may be clinically and economically relevant. Advocacy efforts should promote the expansion of green housing and emphasize the development of healthy communities.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Vivienda Popular
/
Asma
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Contaminación del Aire Interior
/
Planificación Ambiental
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Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales
/
Tecnología Química Verde
Tipo de estudio:
Etiology_studies
/
Evaluation_studies
Límite:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Child
/
Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Infant
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Región como asunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Prog Community Health Partnersh
Asunto de la revista:
SAUDE PUBLICA
Año:
2013
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos