The Pulmonary Program is studying the relationship between parasitic mites and the prevalence of asthma in inner city homes in Rochester. The results of this study will be communicated to the participant families with advice on remedial action. Ultimately, this program will have a national impact because city, state and federal health authorities will use the findings from this study in controlling and treating environmentally-related asthma, a health problem of special severity in inner city housing and in minority groups. Certain research projects in the Center offer the possibility of therapeutic outreach. The Pulmonary program, funded by the NASA grant, is investigating lung damage from inhalation of thermodegradation products in space craft.
Therapeutic procedures are under consideration, such as the inhalation of antioxidant aerosols.
Space craft are the ultimate tight buildings, and this research may help resolve some of the ambiguities that have aroused such immense public concern.