Cockroaches have been identified by researchers as a potential explanation as to why childhood asthma is more prevalent in some urban neighborhoods than others. In New York City neighborhoods where asthma is common, Children are exposed to higher levels of cockroach allergens, which makes them more likely to be sensitized to it, according to the study published online in the Journal of Clinical Immunology. Asthma among children in New York City neighborhoods varies anywhere from 3% to 19%. In the past, heavy traffic, industrial incinerators and other outdoor air pollution sources have been blamed as potential contributors to asthma across the city, reports Reuters.
