As part of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) FY2022-2026 Strategic Plan, the EPA released the pilot Indicators of Environmental Health Disparities resource. The intent of these indicators is to illustrate the disparities in key environmental and public health issues and describe EPA’s activities that may contribute to reductions in these disparities and overall health burdens. These indicators are intended as an informational tool and are not intended for use in agency decision-making.
The pilot six Indicators of Environmental Health Disparities include childhood asthma prevalence, among others. The complete list is:
- Blood Lead Levels
- Population in Monitored Counties Meeting PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
- Age-adjusted Hypertension
- Adverse Birth Outcomes
- Childhood Asthma Prevalence
- Life Expectancy
EPA recognizes that asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that impacts more than 25 million Americans, including 4 million children. Asthma rates are influenced by various risk factors, including air quality—an area where the EPA, through its statutory authorities, grantmaking, and partnerships, works to improve conditions and reduce disparities across demographic groups. Under the Childhood Asthma Prevalence Indicator, the EPA shares background on the issue, data, interpretation, and relevant EPA activities focused on researching asthma, establishing regulations required by law, and educating the public about the relationship between asthma and air pollution, all aimed at reducing asthma rates.
