A collaborative community-based and participatory survey was conducted of conditions in a public housing development in Boston, Massachusetts. The cross sectional survey of 53 randomly selected families in the Franklin Hill development (total 350 units) was analyzed for environmental hazards conceivably associated with respiratory effects, for chronic respiratory diseases and for symptoms during the past month. High rates of asthma were found for both children (56%) and for adults (40%). High incidence of moisture (42%), cockroaches (70%), overheating in the winter (73%), household smoking (57%), structural cracks (49%) and sewage leaks (33%) were reported. Repeated requests for repairs (52%) and the presence of frequent renovation work (40%) were also reported. Respiratory symptoms in the past month were frequent for adult respondents, with 40% reporting wheeze, 48% reporting cough and 48% reporting sneeze. Statistically significant associations were found for wheeze and moisture, wheeze and sewage, cough and stuffy air, cough and smoking, cough and odor, cough and cracks, sneeze and stuffy air, sneeze and cracks and sneeze and repeated requests for repairs. We conclude that our findings are consistent with the literature on housing conditions and health and bolster the conclusion that poor conditions in public housing can affect health of occupants.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Environmental Health Hazards, Housing
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.