A recent study from Boston University School of Public Health reveals that children with asthma living in low-income, predominantly Black neighborhoods are more likely to experience severe respiratory issues due to exposure to indoor allergens like cockroaches and rodents. The research utilized electronic health records and geospatial data to predict allergen exposure based on home address, finding that children in homes with a higher likelihood of pest infestations had worse lung function.
Dr. Patricia Fabian, a senior author of the study, emphasized that this predictive model allows healthcare providers to identify potential environmental risks without needing to conduct in-home assessments. She noted that such information can guide interventions to address home-related asthma triggers, complementing medical treatments.
The study also highlights the broader issue of structural racism, pointing to historical policies like redlining that have led to disinvestment in housing for Black families. These policies have contributed to substandard living conditions, fostering environments where pests can thrive. Consequently, Black children are disproportionately affected by asthma, with a mortality rate nearly eight times higher than that of White children.
This research underscores the need for comprehensive approaches to asthma management that consider environmental factors, particularly in communities historically marginalized due to systemic inequities.
“How home addresses may predict health consequences of roach, rodent exposure” (June 10, 2025)
