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Posted with permission from the Journal of Environmental Health, a publication of the National Environmental Health Association, www.neha.org.  Further posting of this article is restricted. For permission, contact jeh@neha.org. 

This article will appear in the January/February 2014 issue of the Journal of Environmental Health.

Abstract: Asthma, the most significant cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality, is exacerbated by adverse environmental conditions, especially substandard housing. The clinical care provider is often unable to address housing and environmental trigger issues. In Boston, Massachusetts, a web-based referral system called Breathe Easy At Home has been put in place, through which clinicians can refer patients to have their homes inspected for housing code violations that may be contributing to their asthma. Violations will then be brought to the attention of the landlord, who then has the option of redressing the issue or be taken to housing court. By bringing the local public health department, the city’s inspectional services department, and the clinical care provider together with the help of a program coordinator, Breathe Easy At Home is able to provide comprehensive care to asthma patients. This program also serves as a replicable model for other cities and jurisdictions to follow.

This form focuses on environmental triggers and was developed as an initial intake tool specifically for children already diagnosed with asthma.

NEEF’s Diagnosis and Management of Asthma Tool Card is a convenient resource for health care providers. The 4”x6”pocket-sized reference card lists the priority recommendations from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program’s Guidelines Implementation Panel Report for the NHLBI’s asthma guidelines (EPR-3). The tool card also provides NEEF and NHLBI asthma resources for quick references on asthma diagnosis, management and control. Provides additional resources including information on environmental triggers.