STATEWIDE Texas survey data link indoor ventilation and smoking to higher adult asthma morbidity from 2019–2022.
What the Study Examined
Researchers analyzed pooled Asthma Call Back Survey responses from 1,596 Texas adults with asthma collected between 2019 and 2022. Using weighted, multivariable logistic regression, they assessed how household conditions and mitigation steps related to four indicators of adult asthma morbidity: asthma attacks in the prior year, plus recent symptoms, sleep difficulty, and activity limitation in the prior 30 days.
Across outcomes, several exposures showed consistent associations, pointing to modifiable household conditions that may influence indoor air quality and symptom burden in adults.
Adult Asthma Morbidity and Ventilation, Smoking, and Filtration
Poor air exchange emerged as a recurring signal. Not using bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans was associated with higher odds of asthma attacks, recent symptoms, sleep difficulty, and activity limitation. Smoking was among the strongest correlates, with current smokers showing notably higher odds across multiple morbidity outcomes.
Air purifier use also appeared relevant. Adults who did not use an air purifier had higher odds of sleep difficulty, recent symptoms, and activity limitation, suggesting that portable filtration may be linked with lower adult asthma morbidity in this population.
Allergens, Housing Factors, and Disparities
Several household exposures aligned with higher reported morbidity, while the absence of visible mold, rodents, and indoor furry pets was generally associated with lower odds across outcomes. Carpeting and cockroach exposure showed more mixed patterns depending on the specific outcome.
Disparities were also evident. Older adults, women, and non-Hispanic Black respondents reported greater adult asthma morbidity across outcomes, while Hispanic adults showed mixed associations depending on the measure. The authors noted that some counterintuitive findings for certain mitigation steps may reflect reverse causation, reporting effects, or residual confounding, rather than true protection.
Reference: Obeng A et al. Household and Environmental Determinants of Adult Asthma Morbidity in Texas, 2019–2022. Atmosphere. 2026;17(1):58.
