In the United States, over 25 million people have asthma, a chronic disease characterized by coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath. Unfortunately, asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases occurring in children. The National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has begun to focus on factors such as environmental triggers that may cause asthma, especially in young children. One known factor is air pollution.

"Asthma disproportionately affects minorities, people with lower incomes, females, and children" NIEHS 2009 World Asthma Day statement

The Environmental Health Sciences Center has a long history of working on research projects related to air quality (such as during the Gulf Oil Spill) and air pollution (such as tracking the pollution from China).

OSU EHSC Investigator Dr. Kim Anderson uses passive sampling devices to easily measure exposure to air pollution. Watch some informational videos about the passive wristband sampler.


  Current EHSC Community-Based Research on Air Quality

Air Quality in Ohio: Impacts of Unconventional Natural Gas Drilling

List of PAHs analyzed in Carroll County, OH
Study Information - Brochure

Community-based air quality project

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