Includes bibliographical references and index.

Executive summary -- Major issues in understanding asthma -- Methodological considerations in evaluating the evidence -- Patterns of asthma morbidity and mortality -- Pathophysiological basis of asthma -- Indoor biologic exposures -- Indoor chemical exposures -- Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke -- Indoor dampness and asthma -- Asthma and nonresidential indoor environments -- Impact of ventilation and air cleaning on asthma -- Summary of research -- Recommendations and overall conclusions -- Appendix A: Theoretical considerations relevant to the influence of ventilation and air cleaning on exposures to indoor-generated pollutants. "Speaking to a broad audience of health professionals and policymakers, as well as concerned citizens, this book examines how indoor exposures contribute to asthma - its causation, prevalence, and severity. As the committee studied these issues, they addressed asthma among the general population and in sensitive subpopulations including children, low-income individuals, and urban residents." "Based on sound science that reflects the most current findings, the book evaluates mitigation strategies for affecting the indoor air pollutants implicated in asthma. Recognizing that asthma clearly needs an interdisciplinary approach, Clearing the Air also identifies priorities for public health policy, public education outreach, preventive intervention, and further basic research."--Jacket.