Researchers are concerned about asbestos in Philadelphia schools, as well, and they will work on a program that helps parents understand the risks of asbestos in their children’s schools.
Air pollution will be a top priority for the center because CEET has found that the Philadelphia-Reading-Camden area is among the 25 worst in the United States.
Childrens Hospitals Community Asthma Prevention Program, or CAPP has supported families with asthma in Philadelphia for more 20 years. This center will expand that support to Chester. It will provide education and resources that can help families reduce asthma triggers in their homes.
There’s nothing like CAPP in Chester to address asthma. Dr. Tyra Britt-Stephens, the CAPP director, stated that we know that areas with low incomes and populated by minoritized groups, tend to have problems from redlining. This impacts the housing stock.
One in four children in North Philly has asthma. This can be caused by indoor environmental exposures.
Children with asthma are often seen at CHOP by children who are regularly exposed to triggers at school and at home. Chronically being exposed to these triggers can cause inflammation in their airways. This can lead to swelling and increased mucus production. They also become more reactive to other triggers like viruses. As a result, asthma attacks and flares can occur.