REP. ANDREWS INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO CURB ASTHMA IN YOUTH

I have introduced the Reduced Asthma Through Air Quality Improvement Act (H.R. 2571) to combat the alarming increase of asthma in our Nation’s youth.  We must improve the air quality of the schools our children attend in order to reverse this trend.  In addition, we must standardize the air quality and testing methods used by our schools.  Recent studies have shown that African Americans are five times more likely to die of asthma and four times more likely to be hospitalized for the condition than other Americans.  These disparities are unacceptable and we must institute standards so that all American children can breathe easier.

The Reduced Asthma Through Air Quality Improvement Act coordinates efforts between the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in order to implement testing procedures and the modifications necessary to clean the air in our schools.  I will continue to passionately advocate for the health of our children and common sense methods to improve the environment in which we live.

To track the progress of H.R. 2571 please visit http://thomas.loc.gov.

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