Originally published January 26 2006
University of California study discovers more about what provokes asthma attacks
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
At the University of California, Paul Blanc has led research into socioeconomic and environmental factors that trigger asthma, including traffic flow and housing status.
Recent scientific studies by the University of California have shown that educational level, housing status and other socioeconomic factors are the only affects on the health of people with asthma.
The studies uncover that one's neighborhood and surrounding area may also play a significant role, even after taking into account personal economic well-being.
While study findings showed worsened health and poorer quality of life among people living in lower-income areas, they also showed worsened lung function among those living in suburbs, where people tended to own newer homes in less densely populated neighborhoods.
Most researchers believe water-damaged housing stock, proximity to high traffic flow, industrial pollution, and social environmental stress are key contributors to health problems in poorer neighborhoods.
The study raises the possibility that more frequent household pet ownership may be one factor in lower lung function in suburban-related health exposures, although larger backyards with more allergenic plants may be a serious contender for the reason for the disease.
Lead researcher Paul Blanc, MD says, "Even if individual risk factors such as poor access to medical care can be overcome, different communities have different asthma patterns, and strategies for prevention and treatment must take this into account."
Blanc feels there is a need for studies to nail down the community-wide physical and social environmental factors that contribute to asthma and poorer respiratory health.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml