Asthma Rate
The percentage of a population diagnosed with asthma. Frequently used as a public-health indicator of air-pollution exposure, since particulate matter and ozone trigger attacks.
Related terms
Particulate Matter Microscopic solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in air, including dust, soot, and smoke. PM2.5 (fine particles) is small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs. Ground-Level Ozone A harmful air pollutant formed when emissions from cars, factories, and chemicals react in sunlight. Different from the protective ozone layer high in the atmosphere—at ground level it triggers asthma and lung damage. Public Health The science and practice of protecting and improving the health of whole communities through education, policy, disease surveillance, and environmental regulation. CDC PLACES A CDC dataset providing local-level estimates of chronic disease, health risk behaviors, and prevention measures down to the census-tract level.