What environmental factors increase childhood asthma risk?

Damp homes and neighborhoods with heavy air pollution are linked to an increased risk of childhood asthma.

Can having a dog in the home affect a child's asthma risk?

Yes, research indicates that having a dog in the home is protective and may reduce a child's risk of developing asthma.

Where was the study on childhood asthma and environmental factors published?

The new study on childhood asthma and environmental factors was published in the February 2026 issue of Environmental Epidemiology.

Home / Health / Dog Owners: Your Pup Might Protect Kids From Asthma

Dog Owners: Your Pup Might Protect Kids From Asthma

9 Feb

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Summary

Damp homes and polluted neighborhoods increase childhood asthma risk.
Having a dog in the home appears to lower a child's asthma risk.
Study analyzed data from over 6,400 children born between 1987-2016.

Environmental factors play a crucial role in the development of childhood asthma, according to a recent study.

Research indicates that children residing in damp homes or areas with substantial air pollution face an increased risk of developing asthma.

Conversely, the study found that the presence of a dog within the home offers a protective effect, potentially lowering a child's likelihood of developing the respiratory condition. These findings stem from an analysis of data involving more than 6,400 children, born between 1987 and 2016, who were part of a National Institutes of Health program.

The study did not identify a significant link between asthma risk and exposure to pet cats or dust mites. The findings were published in the February 2026 issue of Environmental Epidemiology.