News Release


*For Immediate Release:*

October 2, 2025

 

*Public Health Releases Report on the Impact of Asthma on Children in Los Angeles County*

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in partnership with the Asthma Coalition of Los Angeles County, released "Breathless: Impact of Asthma on Children in Los Angeles County", a new report highlighting the ongoing and significant impact of asthma on the health and well-being of children and families throughout the County.

This report used data from the 2023 Los Angeles County Health Survey, which indicates that *7.3% of children ages 0–17* have asthma. This is the latest data available on this topic. Asthma rates are notably higher among *Black/African American children (9.5%)* and *children of Latino ancestry (8%) than children of other racial and ethnic groups.* Young children under age five are nearly twice as likely to visit the emergency department or urgent care with asthma symptoms compared to older children, and children living in households below the federal poverty level experience higher asthma rates than their peers from higher-income households. Children under age five are more likely to experience absences from preschool or daycare due to asthma compared to school-age children and adolescents. The report underscores to the ongoing burden of asthma on children and families, including the disproportional impact on young children in historically underserved communities*.*

The report outlines several potential factors that may contribute to an individual’s risk for asthma. These include exposure to second-hand smoke, living in proximity to heavily trafficked roads and major highways, exposure to mold or other allergens, physical activity level, and emotional stress. Health care and related service providers should consider and investigate environmental causes of asthma when developing a treatment plan, including access to asthma medications at home, in daycare settings, and at school.

*Additional report findings include:*


* *Geographic trends:* Children living in neighborhoods with the highest levels of air pollution (such as near major freeways and industrial corridors) experience the most severe asthma symptoms.
* *Housing conditions:* Housing with mold, pests, and poor ventilation is a significant driver of asthma flare-ups, especially in low-income communities.
* *Health care access:* Many children with asthma do not have consistent access to asthma management tools, including inhalers, spacers, and asthma action plans from their providers.
* *Self-reporting the impact:* School age and young children are less likely to self-report physical limitations caused by asthma compared to adolescents.

“Too many children in Los Angeles County continue to face daily challenges due to asthma, an illness that is both preventable and manageable,” said *Barbara Ferrer*,* PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health*. “This report underscores the urgent need to address the inequities that drive poor asthma outcomes. By improving access to care and medications, advocating for healthier housing conditions, and reducing exposure to air pollution, we can decrease asthma rates and help children thrive.”

The report calls for strengthened public-private partnerships to reduce disparities, improve asthma management, and create healthier environments where children and families live, learn, play, and pray.

“These data provide critical insight into the ongoing disparities faced by children with asthma across our county,” said *Scott H. Takahashi, **Pharm.D., FCSHP, FASHP, **Co-Chair of the Asthma Coalition of Los Angeles County*. “We encourage philanthropy, policy makers, community organizations, and schools to work together so that families have the information and resources they need to manage asthma and live healthy lives.”

The full report, "Breathless: Impact of Asthma on Children in Los Angeles County", is available on the Department of Public Health website at ph.lacounty.gov/asthma [ [link removed] ].


facebook [ [link removed] ]twitter [ [link removed] ]instagram [ [link removed] ]youtube [ [link removed] ]

"*The Los Angeles County Departmen**t of Public Health* "

"The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well -being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises of more than 5,000 employees and has an annual budget of $1.3 billion."

 

"Los Angeles County Department of Public Health works to protect health, 
prevent disease, and promote health and well-being."

 

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Subscriptions [ [link removed] ]  |  Help [ [link removed] ]

 

Bookmark and Share [ [link removed] ]







________________________________________________________________________

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].

This service is provided to you at no charge by County of Los Angeles [ [link removed] ].



________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent using GovDelivery Communications Cloud to [email protected] on behalf of: County of Los Angeles, California · 500 W. Temple St. · Los Angeles 90012  

body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;} table.govd_hr {min-width: 100%;} p, li, h1, h2, h3 { overflow-wrap: normal; word-wrap: normal; word-break: keep-all; -moz-hyphens: none; -ms-hyphens: none; -webkit-hyphens: none; hyphens: none; mso-hyphenate: none; }