Asthma and obesity-related health problems disproportionately impact low-income ethnic minority communities residing in urban
areas. Environmental risk factors, particularly those related to housing and indoor air, may impact the development or exacerbation
of asthma. There is increasing evidence to suggest a link between obesity-related health problems and asthma. Previous studies
have also reported that immigrant status may influence myriad risk factors and health outcomes among immigrant populations.
The Arab American Environmental Health Project (AAEHP) was the first study to explore environmental health problems among
Arab Americans. This paper examined whether hypertensive status modified the relationship between environmental risk factors
and asthma among Arab Americans in metro Detroit. An environmental risk index (ERI) was used to quantify household environmental
risk factors associated with asthma. Physician diagnosed hypertension was self-reported, and asthma status was determined
using responses to a validated symptoms checklist and self-reported diagnosis by a physician. Hypertension significantly modified
the relationship between ERI and asthma in this study population. The positive association between household environmental
risk factors and asthma was stronger among participants diagnosed with hypertension. Effect modification of the relationship
between environmental risk factors and asthma could have serious implications among high-risk communities. However, further
research is needed to elucidate the relationships between hypertension, environmental risk factors, and asthma.
Keywords Asthma - Hypertension - Arab - Indoor air pollution - Environmental risk factors
The information in this document has been subjected to review by the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory
and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents reflect the views of the Agency.