Disparities Peresist in Boston’s Asthma Response

Vaishnavi Peyyety

Red & Black contributor

A new research paper has brought light to the issue of how asthma is more likely to develop in people living in poorer, more racially diverse neighborhoods of Boston than in whiter areas. Asthma is an ailment that causes difficulty breathing and is a common condition among young people in our nation. The research paper, published in a journal titled Health Affairs, found that when complaints were made about mold, pest infestations and other housing issues, the City Hall’s responses were “significantly slower, more frequently overdue, and less likely to result in a repair, in both racially diverse and low-income neighborhoods of Boston” (Staff et al.).

When filing a complaint, the wait time for those living in more diverse neighborhoods was about three and a half days longer than in whiter neighborhoods. Adam Haber, who worked on this study, believes that the “working class and people of color are exposed to higher risks for respiratory disease, particularly allergens in the home”1 Nevertheless, these housing issues are either overlooked or ignored by the government in Boston. He also mentions how these findings point to the deep rooted problem of structural racism in the city. Haber states that “the regulatory system isn’t doing enough to correct the legacy of institutional racism [that] is still driving health outcomes”(Staff et al.). Alarmingly, because “marginalized communities can be reluctant to report even when conditions are dangerous,” this issue can be more widespread than predicted.

Boston has worked towards improving housing conditions, though. This is especially important as better housing can lead to better respiratory outcomes. When this problem is not taken seriously, its effects can accumulate and lead to health outcomes that are more serious than asthma. The government has passed a proactive rental inspection ordinance which ensures greater safety of the tenants and many other helpful policies. However, researchers suggest that these systems need to be stronger to better protect the wellbeing of tenants and the general Boston population.

References: 1Staff, Danny McDonald Globe, et al. “Research Finds Stark Racial Disparities in How Boston Responds to Unhealthy Conditions That Trigger Asthma - the Boston Globe.” BostonGlobe.com, www. bostonglobe.com/2022/04/11/ metro/research-finds-starkracial- disparities-howboston-responds-unhealthyconditions-that-triggerasthma/. Accessed 14 Apr. 2022.

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A new research paper shows that asthma is more likely to develop in those living in poorer neighbors in Boston.