United States
         Environmental Protection Agency
Indoor Environments Division
Office of Air and Radiation (6609J)
EPA402-F-04-017
May 2004
             CLEARING THE AIR OF ASTHMA TRIGGERS
10  STEPS TO MAKING YOUR HOME ASTHMA-FRIENDLY
  1. Take it outside. One of the most common asthma triggers in the home is secondhand smoke.
  Until you can quit, smoke outside, not in your home or car.

  2. Good night, little mite! Dust mites are also triggers for asthma. For mite population control, cover
  mattresses and pillows with dust-proof (allergen impermeable) zippered covers. Wash sheets and
  blankets once a week in hot water.

  3. Play it Safe. Ozone and particle pollution can cause asthma attacks. Watch for the Air Quality Index
  (AQI) during your local weather report. When AQI reports unhealthy levels, limit outdoor activities.

  4. A little goes a long way. Reduce everyday dust build-up, by regularly dusting with a damp cloth
  and vacuuming carpet and fabric-covered furniture.

  5. Stake your claim. Household pets can trigger asthma with skin flakes, urine, and saliva. Keep pets
  outdoors, if possible.

  6. Uninvite unwelcome guests. Cockroaches can trigger asthma. Don't invite them into your home
  by leaving food or garbage out.  Always clean up messes and spills and store food in airtight contain-
  ers.

  7. Think before you spray. Instead of pesticide sprays, control pests by using baits or traps. If sprays
  are necessary, always circulate fresh air into the room being treated and keep asthma sufferers out of
  that room for several hours after any spraying.

  8. Break the mold. Mold is another asthma trigger. The key to controlling mold is controlling mois-
  ture. Wash and dry hard surfaces to prevent and remove mold. Replace moldy ceiling tiles and carpet.

  9. Air it out. Reducing the moisture will control asthma triggers like mold, cockroaches, and dust
  mites. Use exhaust fans or open windows when cooking and showering.  Fix leaky plumbing or other
  unwanted sources of water.

  10.  Plan before the attack. Work with your doctor or health care provider to develop a written
  asthma management plan for your child that includes information on your child's triggers and how to
  manage them.

  Post a note. Post this plan on your refrigerator to help control asthma triggers and reduce asthma
  attacks in your home. Share it with those who spend time with your child like teachers, babysitters, and
  coaches.

-------