1. 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

2. 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

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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 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)

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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…
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