Asthma Due to Poor Living Conditions
Many adults and kids suffer from asthma due to poor living conditions, as people in public housing or apartments can live in an unclean environment. According to Jennifer Bergens' New York University article about Harlem, "The percentage of those suffering from asthma, and the severity of the condition, is four times that in Spanish Harlem than in New York City as a whole, according to a Columbia University study." There are a number of things that can spur asthma problems in this type of environment.
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Mold
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Mold is one of the most prevalent and hazardous substances for asthma and allergy sufferers. People living in squalor may have mold in their basement and their homes may be damp. In addition, cracked foundations and frequent leaks can cause mold to build up. Black mold is extremely toxic and can grow on shower or bathtub tiles and floors. It is best to keep a home as dry and ventilated as possible to prevent potential mold problems. Regular cleaning can also eliminate black mold.
Dust
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Great amounts of dust are common in poor living conditions. Some homes have a lot of carpet and drapery, and unless they are vacuumed or cleaned regularly, dust mites will inhabit them. Many children are allergic to dust mite feces, and some develop asthma from this common allergen. Bed sheets and window sills also harbor dust mites, so change bedding and clean the house regularly.
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Smog and Fumes
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Many people live without conditioning, so in the summer they keep windows open and use fans for cooling, allowing smog, bus fumes and industrial toxins into the home, which all can cause asthma. There is also more pollen in the air during summer months, so people who suffer from allergies have a greater chance of getting asthma if they do not have air conditioning.
Heating Units
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People living in homes in poor condition may have older heating units, typically gas, which can be problematic for some people. Defective gas units can have leaks or emit carbon monoxide, and the home may also have poor ventilation, the ducts may be filthy and residual water might harbor mold. Any of these conditions can spur asthma problems.
Asbestos
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Older apartments and homes are more likely to contain asbestos in their walls and structure. Asbestos is a silicate mineral that contains tiny fibrous crystals, and when people inhale these particles they can develop asthma and other lung problems.
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