Rep. Chang offered the following resolution:           

            House Resolution No. 330.

            A resolution to declare May 2018 as Asthma and Air Quality Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Asthma is a long-term inflammatory disease in which the airways of the lung constrict, causing wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing; and

            Whereas, Asthma is an under-managed chronic disease in the state of Michigan, as evidenced by state and national data. In 2014, 10.9% of adults and 10.2% of children in Michigan reported that they currently have asthma. This is much higher than the national average, which is only 7.6% of adults and 8.4% of children reported having asthma nationwide in 2015; and

            Whereas, Hospitalization due to asthma complications is common, with 13,000 stays in Michigan in 2013, and an increasing number of the elderly hospitalized due to these complications. The rate of asthma hospitalization in Detroit is three times higher than the state of Michigan as a whole, as 24% of all asthma hospitalizations in Michigan residents occurred with residents of Detroit. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America listed Detroit as one of the five most challenging cities to live in with asthma in 2015. This is evident due to the fact that the prevalence of asthma among Detroit adults was 29% higher than in the state of Michigan as a whole and the rate of asthma mortality in Detroit from 2011-2013 was 2.4 times higher than the state of Michigan; and

            Whereas, Asthma is the leading cause of preventable hospitalizations for Michigan children and asthma is the leading chronic cause of school absenteeism in Michigan. The rates of emergency room visits for asthma related problems is significantly higher than national rates.  The rate of hospitalization is 25.6 per 10,000 in Wayne County, which is higher than the state rate; and

            Whereas, Asthma is not only caused by genetics, but also by air quality conditions in the home and in the surrounding community. Air pollution has a great effect on the lungs and causes increased asthma rates. Short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide, ranging from 5 minutes to 24 hours, is linked to increased asthma symptoms. Michigan is currently designated by the Environmental Protection Agency as having a “non-attainment area” for meeting the national primary sulfur dioxide standard, and;

            Whereas, The lifelong asthma persistence has decreased from 2010-2014, yet the lifelong asthma prevalence in Michigan is still well above the national rate. Public health efforts should be directed to persons with asthma and to keep our air clean to further improve asthma control and prevent severe outcomes; and

            Whereas, May is a nationally recognized month dedicated to educating all Americans about air quality, comprehensive asthma management and to increase public understanding of asthma and how to manage it; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2018 as Asthma and Air Quality Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.