American Lung Association Links Socio-Economic Factors to Environmental Health Hazards
March 14, 2005
NEW YORK, NY – The Hispanic community is disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards such as air pollution, according to a new study by the American Lung Association. The report, Lung Disease Data in Culturally Diverse Communities, provides a definitive link between air pollution and lung disease prevalence in communities of color.
“In many instances, Hispanic communities are disproportionately affected by environmental exposures, which can lead to a host of lung diseases. This publication calls on legislators and community leaders to fight for stricter air pollution standards, said Donald Woods, Vice President of Cultural Diversity for the American Lung Association. “The American Lung Association is committed to educating these communities about lung disease and achieving our mission to eliminate lung disease and promote lung health.”
Lung Disease Data in Culturally Diverse Communities shows that Hispanics and African Americans together suffer disproportionately from asthma, compared to Whites, and provides important information about clean air and the long-term effects of exposure to tobacco smoke and air pollution. The report calls attention to the health disparities and other socioeconomic factors that may account for the high prevalence rates within diverse communities.
According to the report, lung disease affects people of all cultures, races, and ethnicities, but some groups have higher rates than others. The study shows that Hispanics are more than twice as likely as either African Americans or Whites to live near high traffic areas such as freeways and other areas with heavy diesel truck traffic. These areas have higher levels of air pollution and increase the risk of lung disease and premature death. Studies have shown that Puerto Ricans may have higher asthma prevalence rates and higher death rates than other Hispanic subgroups and non-Hispanic Whites.
About the American Lung Association
For 100 years, the American Lung Association has been the lead organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates continue to increase while other leading causes of death have declined.
The American Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is “Improving life, one breath at a time.”
For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or log on to www.lungusa.org.