RT’s Three Key Takeaways:

  1. Significant ED Reduction: The Mold Busters program led to an estimated 25% reduction in asthma-related emergency department visits compared to projected rates without the intervention.
  2. Large-Scale Evidence: This study represents the first large-scale observational data demonstrating that citywide mold remediation and ventilation improvements can significantly lower the burden of asthma exacerbations.
  3. Correlation with Complaints: Research indicated that buildings with the most significant decreases in mold complaints after remediation also experienced the steepest declines in respiratory-related emergency visits.


A large-scale mold-removal program in New York City (NYC) public housing reduces asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits by nearly 2,800 annually, according to data presented at ATS 2026.

Researchers estimated that without the program, NYC public housing residents would have experienced 25% more asthma-related ED visits. This represents the first large-scale observational study to demonstrate that citywide mold intervention projects can significantly reduce the burden of asthma exacerbations.

“These results suggest that housing interventions on asthma triggers could play a critical role in reducing long-standing asthma disparities,” said first author Nina Flores, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work and Dell Medical School.

The New York City Housing Authority developed Mold Busters in response to a 2013 class-action lawsuit filed by residents. The program focuses on mold removal and remediation, improved response timelines, evidence-based staff training, and large-scale ventilation improvements.

Measurable Health Improvements

To evaluate the program, researchers compared ED visits for people living in NYC public housing with a control group of people living in nearby areas with similar income levels. The study found that public housing residents served by Mold Busters averaged nine fewer asthma-related ED visits per 1,000 people compared to those in similar non-public housing areas.

Flores noted that buildings with the largest drops in mold complaints following remediation also saw the steepest declines in ED visits, further supporting the connection between the intervention and observed health improvements.

While the research team measured ED visits, Flores said the study did not capture the impact of less-severe asthma exacerbations that might cause missed work or school, or other allergic and respiratory problems associated with mold exposure.

“The health benefits reported here likely underestimate the full scope of healthcare-related benefits from the intervention,” said Flores.

Future Research and Prevention

The researchers plan to repeat their analysis as additional data becomes available to determine if these benefits are sustained or increase over time. The team suggested that mold removal and remediation may not only reduce exacerbations but could also prevent new asthma cases from developing.

The team is currently conducting home visits to collect data on fungal exposure, allergic sensitization, and asthma-related illnesses among children in NYC public housing. This data collection occurs both after an initial mold complaint and during the 12 months following mold removal to better understand the long-term effects of the intervention.


More information

Session/Presentation: A18
The Air We Share: Pollution, Pulmonary Health, and Policy Perspectives
Large-Scale Mold Intervention Reduced Asthma Emergency Department Visits in New York City Public Housing Differentially Across Building and Neighborhood Characteristics
Date and Time: Sunday, May 17 at 11:03 a.m.
Location:  W110B (Level I, OCCC West Concourse)