ASTHMA: INDOOR HAZARDS

 

Asthma rates have increased in the last several years.  As a result, many people are particularly sensitive to indoor pollutants.   Several studies have shown that exposure to indoor allergens can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

 

Asthma triggers are things that exacerbate asthma symptoms and increase breathing problems for people with asthma, and many of these triggers can be found in the home. In fact, the home is a very common place for allergens (things that people are allergic to) and irritants (things that irritate the lungs).

 

 

What Are Household Triggers?

Dust mites, cockroaches and other pests, mold, animal and pet dander, tobacco smoke combustion appliances, and house dust.

 

Signs That Your House May Contain Air Quality Problems (provided by HIA)

 

á Unusual and noticeable odors, stale or stuffy air

á Noticeable lack of air movement

á Dirty of faulty central heating or air conditioning equipment

á Damaged flue pipes or chimneys

á Unvented combustion air sourced for fossil fuel appliances

á Excessive humidity

á Tightly constructed or remodeled home

á Presence of molds and mildew

á Health reaction after remodeling, weatherizing, using new furniture, use of household or hobby products, or moving into a new home

á Feeling noticeably healthier outside the home

 

 

Common Household Asthma Triggers and Ways to Reduce Exposure (provided by EPA)

 

Household Trigger                                                   Reduce Exposure

 

Secondhand Smoke: Asthma can be triggered          Choose not to smoke in your home

by the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette,       or car and do not allow other to do so

pipe, or cigar and the smoke breathed out by a            either.

smoker.

 

Dust Mites: Dust mites are too small to be seen        Wash sheets and blankets once a

but are found in every home. Dust mites live in           week in hot water.

mattresses, pillows, carpets, fabric-covered                  Choose washable stuffed toys, wash

furniture, bedcovers, clothes, and stuffed toys. 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, and                        Consider keeping pets outdoors or

saliva can be asthma triggers.                                      even finding a new home for your      

                                                                                    pets, if necessary.

                                                                                    Keep pets out of the bedroom and

                                                                                    other sleeping areas at all times, and

                                                                                    keep the door closed.

                                                                                    Keep pets away from fabric-covered

                                                                                    furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys.

 

Molds: Molds grow on damp material.  The               Wash mold off hard surfaces and dry

key to mold control is moisture control.  If                 completely. Absorbent materials,

mold is a problem in your home, clean up the such as ceiling tiles and carpet, with

mold and get rid of excess water or moisture. mold may need to be replaced.

Lowering the moisture also helps reduce other            Fix leaky plumbing or other sources

triggers, such as dust mites and cockroaches.              of water.

                                                                                    Keep drip pans in your air

                                                                                    conditioner, refrigerator, and

                                                                                    dehumidifier clean and dry.

                                                                                    Use exhaust fans or open windows

                                                                                    in kitchens and bathrooms when

                                                                                    showering, cooking, or using the

                                                                                    dishwasher.

                                                                                    Vent clothes dryers to the outside.

                                                                                    Maintain low indoor humidity,

                                                                                    ideally between 30-35% relative

                                                                                    humidity.  Humidity levels can be

                                                                                    measured by hygrometers which are

                                                                                    available at local hardware stores.

 

Pests: Droppings or body parts of pests                     Do not leave food or garbage out.

such as cockroaches or rodents can                             Store food in airtight containers.

be asthma triggers.                                                      Clean all food crumbs or spilled

                                                                                    liquids right away.

                                                                                    Try using poison baits, boric acid

                                                                                    (for cockroaches), or traps first

                                                                                    before using pesticidal sprays.

                                                                                    If sprays are used:

                                                                                    Limit the spray to infested area.

                                                                                    Carefully follow instructions on the

                                                                                    label.

                                                                                    Make sure there is plenty of fresh air

                                                                                    when you spray, and keep the person

                                                                                    with asthma out of the room.

 

 

 

References

 

EHW (Environmental Health Watch): http://www.ehw.org

 

HIA (Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes). A partnership of EPA, U.S. EPA-Indoor Environments Division: http://www.montana.edu/wwwcxair/hazards.htm.

 

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): http://www.epa.gov