Hawaii's health mystery: how geology and microbiology may explain high NTM infection rates.
If you have severe asthma, underlying pulmonary conditions or are immunocompromised, Hawaii's atmosphere may not be the place for you.
The Aloha State is home to 10 of the 14 climate zones and boasts a very diverse ecosystem. Something about the environment, though, seems to have a significant effect on the prevalence of pulmonary disease.
There is a group of bacteria called nontuberculous mycobacteria, or NTM, that causes opportunistic pulmonary disease – especially in people who have compromised immune systems or other underlying conditions. The infection rate of this bacteria is over four times higher in Hawaii than on the mainland.
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