Posted by CPC (207.90.205.116) on December 24, 2002 at 11:52:52:

The Josiah Quincy Elementary School in Chinatown has 880 children. In spring of the year 2000, there were 135 children with asthma, or 15% of all students according to the school nurse. This is about twice the national rate for asthma among children.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs. People with asthma sometimes have trouble breathing and will feel like they are not getting enough air into their lungs. There are many reasons why a person might have trouble breathing so not everyone with breathing problems has asthma. Serious asthma can be deadly.

What causes asthma?

We do not know all of the reasons people get asthma. Some of the things that increase the risk of getting asthma are breathing second hand smoke from tobacco, air pollution (motor vehicle exhaust or construction dust), and exposure to cockroaches and mice. Also you may inherit the risk of developing asthma.

How does air pollution affect people with asthma?

When air pollution is bad, people who have asthma may have more trouble breathing. Ozone is a chemical in air pollution that affects people with asthma. Ozone increases when motor vehicle exhaust mixes with other chemicals in the air and with sunlight. It is the main component of smog.

Is asthma a problem in Chinatown?

There are over 100 children or 1 out of 6 at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School in Chinatown who have asthma. Because they have asthma, they may be more likely to have breathing problems when the ozone level is high.

What can I do?

If you or someone you know has asthma, see a doctor for treatment.

If you feel that air pollution is a problem in Chinatown, speak out! You can contact the Campaign to Protect Chinatown, attend a meeting of the Chinatown Resident Association or a hearing held by the City of Boston. A problem like air pollution will only be solved if many people become aware and work to change it.