News Summary
Philadelphia has been designated as the fourth most challenging city in the United States for asthma, according to a recent report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The city’s ranking has declined from third place, indicating worsening asthma conditions exacerbated by factors such as aging school buildings and poor indoor air quality. The report highlights the financial burden of asthma medications and the need for legislative solutions to improve affordability and enhance air quality in local schools.
Philadelphia has been ranked No. 4 in the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s (AAFA) 2025 report on “asthma capitals” in the United States. The report, released on September 9, 2025, highlights the ongoing asthma challenges faced by residents, with Philadelphia’s position worsening from its 2024 ranking of No. 3. Allentown occupies the No. 3 spot, while Harrisburg and Pittsburgh are ranked No. 15 and No. 44, respectively.
The AAFA determines rankings based on a combination of factors, including local asthma prevalence rates, emergency room visits related to asthma, and asthma-related mortality data. Detroit has now taken the top position as the city with the most severe asthma challenges, reflecting a nationwide concern as September is identified as the “asthma peak month.” During this period, particularly the third week, hospitals observe the highest influx of asthma-related cases.
Contributing Factors and Local Conditions
Several factors contribute to the asthma peak in September. Increased levels of fall pollen, mold, and poor indoor air quality significantly impact residents’ health, especially in Philadelphia, where many school buildings are over 70 years old and in disrepair. A report from August 2025 reveals that numerous schools within Pennsylvania face various asthma triggers, such as radon, mold, and lead paint. Alarmingly, less than 4% of schools in the state have implemented indoor air quality plans that aim to mitigate these triggers.
Impact on Schools and Children
The condition of these aging school buildings is particularly concerning, as they can exacerbate the ongoing asthma crisis. While some regions have introduced successful initiatives to enhance air quality, such as reducing engine idling times in Australia, similar measures have yet to be widely adopted in Pennsylvania schools.
Affordability and Accessibility of Medications
The financial burden of asthma medications continues to grow, making it increasingly difficult for some patients to afford necessary inhalers, which can cost thousands of dollars each year. Although certain pharmaceutical companies have offered to cap asthma inhalers at $35, this price limit does not apply to all inhaler types and oral medications. In response to this widespread issue, patients can turn to GoodRx, an online platform that enables them to compare medication prices across pharmacies for potential savings.
Potential Legislative Solutions
As the asthma crisis persists, there is growing government momentum to address the high costs of asthma medications. Some states, such as Minnesota, are leading the way by initiating price caps on inhalers, with a $25 cap set to take effect starting January 1, 2025. Pennsylvania may consider similar legislation to enhance affordability for residents and to allocate funding aimed at improving indoor air quality in schools.
Conclusion
As Philadelphia grapples with its troubling asthma ranking and the continued prevalence of asthma challenges, concerted efforts from local governments, schools, and communities are crucial. By addressing the issues of air quality and medication affordability, stakeholders can work towards improving health outcomes for individuals affected by asthma in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Asthma Capitals
- Wikipedia: Asthma
- CDC: Asthma
- GoodRx: Compare Medication Prices
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Asthma
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
