A recent study involving University of Wisconsin researchers has revealed a disturbing connection between past housing discrimination practices and current childhood asthma rates, shedding light on the enduring health impacts of structural racism in American cities.
The research, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, found that children living in neighborhoods once designated as “high-risk” for mortgage lending face a significantly higher risk of developing asthma compared to those in other areas. This practice, known as redlining, was widespread in the 1930s and shaped urban landscapes through neighborhood assessments often based on racial segregation.
Dr. Christine Seroogy, a researcher involved in the study, explained that children residing in homes within neighborhoods given the lowest “D” rating by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation in the 1930s have a staggering 79% increased risk of asthma. The study utilized data from the NIH-funded Children’s Respiratory and Environmental Workgroup consortium, combining information from 13 birth cohorts across the United States.
The lasting effects of redlining are evident in the lack of infrastructure and environmental factors that put children at risk for developing asthma. These include limited access to green spaces, proximity to industrial areas and major roadways with higher levels of air pollution, and poor housing quality.
UW Professor Christopher Timmins, an expert in urban economics, emphasized that income inequality plays a crucial role in perpetuating these health disparities. Lower-income families often face difficult trade-offs between affordable housing and environmental quality.
The study’s findings extend beyond individual health concerns, pointing to broader issues of environmental justice and urban planning. Researchers stress the need for policy interventions, such as improving access to affordable, stable, and safe housing for low-income families.
As cities grapple with these legacies, the research underscores the importance of considering health equity in urban planning and development decisions. The study contributes to a growing body of evidence on the health impacts of structural racism, demonstrating how historical policies continue to shape public health outcomes today.
See “Historically redlined districts linked to higher childhood asthma rates, experts say” (October 21, 2024)
