FACTS ABOUT ASTHMA Number of people with asthma increased by more than 150% from 1980 to 1998 An estimated 17 million Americans have asthma Most common chronic childhood disease affecting about 4.8 million children EPA & USDA/CSREES

Health and Economic Effects 5,000 deaths per year 470,000 hospitalizations 100 million days of restricted activity $7 to $9 billion a year in direct and indirect costs

Major Indoor Asthma Triggers Secondhand smoke Dust mites Pets Molds Pests (cockroaches and rodents)

Secondhand Smoke Asthma can be triggered by the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, or the smoke exhaled by a smoker Children especially vulnerable 1 million children with asthma have had condition worsened Exposed children more likely to suffer from pneumonia, bronchitis, and other lung diseases, ear infections

Controlling Secondhand Smoke Choose not to smoke in your home or car, and do not allow others to do so either Smoke outside

Dust Mites Too small to be seen, but are found in every home Live in mattresses, pillows, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, and stuffed toys Exposure can trigger asthma attacks

Controlling Dust Mites Wash sheets and blankets once a week in hot water Choose washable stuffed toys, wash them often in hot water, and dry thoroughly - keep stuffed toys off beds Cover mattresses and pillows in dust-proof (allergen-impermeable) zippered covers

Pets Your pet’s skin flakes, urine, or saliva can be asthma triggers Most effective way to control exposure to triggers from animals is to keep your home pet-free

Controlling Pet Problems Consider finding a new home for your pets, if necessary If animals are removed from the house, do a thorough cleaning Reduce Exposure: Keep pets in one area of the house Keep pets out of the bedroom Keep pets away from fabric-covered furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys Keep pets outside Keep people with asthma away from pets

Molds Molds grow on damp materials, including wood, paper, carpet, and foods Mold growth often occurs when the problem goes undiscovered The key to mold control is moisture control Clean up mold and get rid of excess water or moisture Lowering moisture also helps reduce other triggers, such as dust mites and cockroaches

Controlling Molds To fix a mold problem, do two things 1. Fix water or humidity problem 2. Completely clean up the mold Examples include: Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water If leak occurs, dry all damaged areas within 24-48 hours Wash mold off hard surfaces and dry completely - absorbent materials may need to be replaced Keep drip pans in your air conditioner, refrigerator, and dehumidifier clean and dry Use exhaust fans or open windows Vent clothes dryers outside Maintain low indoor humidity (35-55% relative humidity)

Pests Droppings or body parts of pests (such as cockroaches or rodents) can be asthma triggers Keep pests from entering your home and away from food and water Try less toxic methods for pest control

Controlling Pests Don’t leave food or garbage out Store food in airtight containers Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids right away Wash dishes soon after use Keep surfaces clear of clutter Fix moisture problems Remove boxes, newspapers from your home Make sure the trash is stored properly and emptied daily Try using poison bait, boric acid (for cockroaches), or traps before using pesticide sprays

Using Pesticide Sprays to Control Pests Limit the spray to infested area Don’t spray near food or areas where young children are Carefully follow instructions on the label Provide plenty of fresh air, and keep people with asthma out of the room

Bill of Rights for Children with Allergies and Asthma According to the Allergy and Asthma Network - Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc. (AAN-MA), a child with allergies and asthma and his\her family have the right to 1. Be presented with the proven scientific facts of asthma and allergies in a manner that raises appropriate concerns and avoids needless anxiety 2. Be cared for by a supportive physician who provides preventive management of asthma and allergies as well as treatment for acute episodes 3. Live in a smoke-free environment where reasonable attempts at eliminating relevant allergens are made (continued) Note: For more information, refer to the Back to School with Allergies and Asthma, A Bill of Rights for Children with Allergies and Asthma Fact Sheet

Bill of Rights for Children with Allergies and Asthma (continued) 4. Have full and personal access to appropriate medications and devices so that potential scholastic, athletic, and social achievements are not limited by otherwise uncontrolled asthma or allergies 5. Learn self-management skills to minimize dependence on medical personnel, emergency clinics, and hospitalizations 6. Expect teachers, school nurses, coaches and camp counselors, and other adults entrusted with their care to understand the enlightened handling of children with asthma and allergies AAN-MA website…http://www.aanma.org Note: For more information, refer to the Back to School with Allergies and Asthma, A Bill of Rights for Children with Allergies and Asthma Fact Sheet