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Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022

Do Black Americans suffer from asthma at a higher rate than white Americans?

Lisa Freedland, Gigafact
yes

Black Americans are both more likely to suffer from asthma than white Americans and more likely to be hospitalized and die from the respiratory disease. 

Using survey health data from the Centers for Disease Control, the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Minority Health reported that Black Americans were 40% more likely to have asthma than white Americans in 2018. The office also found that Black children were five times more likely to be hospitalized for asthma than white children in 2017 and that Black Americans were almost three times more likely to die from asthma than white Americans in 2019.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, while genetics and individual behavior contribute to this disparity, social determinants are the largest factor. For example, Black neighborhoods tend to have higher rates of air pollution and poorer quality hospitals.

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