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Many Poor Blacks Having Bedroom Problems -- But Its Not What You're Thinking!

African Americans with bed bugs

Across the state of New Jersey, low-income blacks are experiencing problems in the bedroom. It's affecting more than 2,300 families across New Jersey -- and more than half of them don't even know they have a problem. The problem is... bed bugs!

Bedbugs are spreading

A team of researchers from Rutgers University inspected more than 2,300 low-income apartments across New Jersey and found that one in eight had a problem in the bedroom -- with bedbugs. Upon inspection of the apartments, they discovered that most of the bedbugs were in the bedroom. Others were also found in upholstery in the living room area.

Half of the residents were not aware that they had bed bugs. Others tried to treat the bedbugs on their own, but it was ineffective because they were not using products that worked. If bedbugs are not treated effectively, they will spread fast. Even residents who washed their bedding in hot water were unable to get rid of the bugs.

Symptoms

Many of these low-income residents experienced symptoms from bedbugs such as pain, itching, welts, and the inability to sleep. Although bedbugs do not carry diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they are annoying and hard to get rid of.

Researchers are encouraging landlords to take action in order to get rid of the bedbugs. They estimate the cost is also inexpensive, about $12 per apartment. This is a far better alternative than driving away the low-income families who end up moving out due to bedbugs.

Read more at www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/one-eight-low-income-apartment-had-bed-bugs-new-study-n550986



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