Asthma in New England

Basic Information

Asthma is a chronic condition in which the narrowing of the bronchial tubes in the lungs leads to wheezing and difficulty breathing. Environmental factors – such as mold, mildew, pet dander, environmental tobacco smoke, cockroaches, dust mites, vehicle exhaust and industrial and power plant emissions – can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

EPA Region 1's Asthma Program supports asthma education and reduction of environmental factors to address the problem of asthma in New England. In order to do this, the Asthma program works with our federal partners (CDC and HUD), the state asthma programs, asthma coalitions, as well as other non-profit environmental health organizations to try to identify and promote best practices in the management of asthma and reduction of environmental factors.

This website contains information about EPA's asthma-related programs, county level maps for New England for several asthma indicators, opportunities for funding, contact information, as well as links to other useful resources. EPA encourages community groups to become members of the Communities in Action for Asthma-Friendly Environments (CAAFE). Registration is available.