• HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • About Us
    • Meet Our Faculty
    • Donate
  • Community
    • LHAP
    • Asthma CHAMPS
    • Education
    • Resources
  • Research
    • Asthma Research
    • Environmental
    • COPD Research
  • Publications
    • Summary of Our Findings
    • 2025 Research Articles
    • 2024 Research Articles
    • 2023 Research Articles
    • 2022 Research Articles
    • 2021 Research Articles
    • 2020 Research Articles
    • 2019 Research Articles
    • 2018 Research Articles
    • 2017 Research Articles
    • 2016 Research Articles
    • 2015 Research Articles
  • Archives
    • Talks
    • Policy & Initiatives
    • Annual Reports
    • In the News
  • KIDS BREATHE
    • Kids Breathe Home
  • FUNDING opportunities
    • Funding Opportunities
    • Awardees
  • More
    • HOME
    • ABOUT US
      • About Us
      • Meet Our Faculty
      • Donate
    • Community
      • LHAP
      • Asthma CHAMPS
      • Education
      • Resources
    • Research
      • Asthma Research
      • Environmental
      • COPD Research
    • Publications
      • Summary of Our Findings
      • 2025 Research Articles
      • 2024 Research Articles
      • 2023 Research Articles
      • 2022 Research Articles
      • 2021 Research Articles
      • 2020 Research Articles
      • 2019 Research Articles
      • 2018 Research Articles
      • 2017 Research Articles
      • 2016 Research Articles
      • 2015 Research Articles
    • Archives
      • Talks
      • Policy & Initiatives
      • Annual Reports
      • In the News
    • KIDS BREATHE
      • Kids Breathe Home
    • FUNDING opportunities
      • Funding Opportunities
      • Awardees
  • Sign In

  • My Account
  • Signed in as:

  • filler@godaddy.com


  • My Account
  • Sign out


Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • About Us
    • Meet Our Faculty
    • Donate
  • Community
    • LHAP
    • Asthma CHAMPS
    • Education
    • Resources
  • Research
    • Asthma Research
    • Environmental
    • COPD Research
  • Publications
    • Summary of Our Findings
    • 2025 Research Articles
    • 2024 Research Articles
    • 2023 Research Articles
    • 2022 Research Articles
    • 2021 Research Articles
    • 2020 Research Articles
    • 2019 Research Articles
    • 2018 Research Articles
    • 2017 Research Articles
    • 2016 Research Articles
    • 2015 Research Articles
  • Archives
    • Talks
    • Policy & Initiatives
    • Annual Reports
    • In the News
  • KIDS BREATHE
    • Kids Breathe Home
  • FUNDING opportunities
    • Funding Opportunities
    • Awardees

Account


  • My Account
  • Sign out


  • Sign In
  • My Account

Health Disparities



Health disparities are differences in the burden of disease or opportunities to achieve one's best health.  At our Center, we have focused on such disparities as they relate to lung-health and lung-disease risk factors.  Our goal is to both utilize research to better understand these disparities and work with our community engagement arm to help tackle these health gaps.

Photo by Baron Cole on Unsplash 

Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a situation in which the airways of the lung narrow due to swelling with or without excess mucous secretions. 

What are some symptoms of asthma?

Some symptoms of asthma include coughing, shortness of breath, audible wheezing, and chest tightness.  

Is there a cure for asthma?

While there is no cure for asthma, persons living with asthma can control their disease with medications as well as avoiding known triggers when possible. 

What are triggers?

Triggers are activities or substances that cause asthma symptoms in an individual and may include environmental or even exercise.   

Asthma Resources

COPD

What is COPD?


Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that causes obstruction of the lungs airways, resulting in the inability to properly clear out air.  


What are most common conditions that result in COPD?


The two most common conditions that result in COPD include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. 


What is emphysema?


Emphysema is a disease where the smallest airways of the lung are damaged.


What is chronic bronchitis?


Chronic bronchitis is due to inflammation around the airways resulting in excess mucous.  


What are some symptoms of COPD?


Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, coughing, mucous production, and chest heaviness. 


Is there a cure for COPD?


While COPD cannot be cured, it can be well managed with medications and avoidance of substances that are known to worsen the disease, such as cigarette smoke. 

COPD Resources

PFAS

What are PFAS?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are manufactured chemicals found in consumer and industry products. They have been widely used since the 1940s and don't break down, meaning that they are found in the environment and many people and animals have PFAS in their bloodstream. 

Where are PFAS found?

PFAS are used in products like cleaning chemicals, water-resistant fabrics, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant coatings, grease-resistant paper (like fast food wrappers), and personal care products like shampoo, floss, nail polish, etc. 


However, after their initial use, PFAS can enter the soil and contaminate drinking water or bioaccumulate in wildlife. Therefore, PFAS can also be found in waste sites, biosolids (sewage or manure), and food, like seafood that lives in contaminated water, or livestock that are exposed to contaminated water or soil.

Are PFAS dangerous to health?

Research is ongoing to determine the effects of PFAS on human health. Past studies have found that exposure to PFAS in varying levels may lead to an increased risk of some cancers, reduced immune system function, developmental issues, or issues with reproduction.

How can I avoid PFAS?

PFAS are impossible to avoid completely, but you can take steps to lower your exposure. You can have your drinking water tested or make sure your local water utility is testing the city water. Most PFAS exposure comes from ingesting water as opposed to contaminated water coming into contact with your skin. Showering, bathing, or swimming in contaminated water is unlikely to significantly increase your risk of exposure.


Click the hyperlink for PFAS advice from the EPA.

Air Pollutants

Photo by Cristi Goia on Unsplash

How does air pollution occur?

Air pollution occurs when there are harmful or excessive amounts of substances are present in air.  These substances include gases, dust and particulate matter as well as other biological particles.  

What are air pollutants?

Air pollutants are airborne materials that can harm respiratory and cardiovascular health. These include small particles, such as dust, or chemicals, such as carbon monoxide (CO). Reducing exposure to air pollutants may reduce symptoms of pulmonary disease such as asthma or COPD.

Air Pollutants Resources

Copyright © 2024 BREATHE Center - All Rights Reserved.

 

Powered by

  • HOME
  • Donate
  • Kids Breathe Home

Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.

Accept & Close