title: Impact of LEED-certified affordable housing on asthma in the South Bronx.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Green housing reduces energy costs and may mitigate indoor allergens and pollutants, improving asthma morbidity. High asthma burden is seen in low-income neighborhoods. Past studies show improvements in respiratory symptoms when living in green homes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Develop partnership with Blue Sea Development Company to determine impacts of living in Melrose Commons V (MCV), a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum-certified affordable housing complex, on asthma in the South Bronx.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants completed a home-based respiratory health questionnaire before moving into MCV. Follow-up occurred at 6, 12, and 18 months post-move. A home-based educational module was delivered on indoor environmental interventions to avoid asthma triggers. A pretest was given before the module and a posttest was given 9 months later, including an evaluation of behavioral practice changes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Outcomes included decreases in continuous daily respiratory symptoms (p < .001), asthma symptoms disrupting sleep in the past month (p = .028), and urgent visits to a healthcare professional for asthma in the past 3 months (p = .038). Clinically relevant outcomes included fewer days with asthma symptoms; asthma episodes; days of work, school, or daycare missed; and emergency department visits. Education changes from pretest to posttest included increased knowledge about dust mites, roaches, mold, and chemical irritants (p = .007). Common behavioral changes included using hypoallergenic mattress covers, using green cleaning products, and eliminating bedroom carpets.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings support the beneficial effect of LEED Platinum-certified buildings on respiratory health. Trends may be clinically and economically relevant. Advocacy efforts should promote the expansion of green housing and emphasize the development of healthy communities.
authors.affiliation: Mount Sinai School of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Garland
authors.forename: Erin Thanik
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Steenburgh
authors.forename: Sadie H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Sanchez
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Geevarughese
authors.forename: Les
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bluestone
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rothenberg
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rialdi
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Foley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D018450:Disease Progression; D004779:Environment Design / Q000592:standards*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D055772:Green Chemistry Technology / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011638:Public Housing / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D055815:Young Adult