Is Indoor Air Worsening Your Asthma?

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a serious, sometimes life-threatening chronic respiratory disease that affects the quality of life for almost 25 million Americans, including an estimated seven million children. Although there is no cure for asthma yet, the condition can be controlled through medical treatment and careful management of indoor air and environmental triggers, including household allergens and irritants.

According to the EPA, Americans, on average, spend approximately 90% of their time indoors where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. Indoor allergens and irritants (like mold, dust mites, or smoke) can play a significant role in triggering asthma attacks. If you have asthma, you may react to just one trigger or to several. Once you have worked with your doctor or other medical professionals to identify your triggers, the next step is to reduce your risk of exposure in your own home.

Managing asthma involves managing indoor air. Here are some of the most significant categories of indoor asthma triggers, and tactics for avoiding them:

Secondhand Tobacco Smoke

Smoke from Fireplaces

Mold

Dust, Dander, and Mites

Pets

Pollen

Household Chemicals and Fragrances

Pests

Asthma is a serious condition, and management of your home’s indoor air quality may help you in managing it.

To learn more asthma managing tips, read more of our resources here.

To learn more about additional conditions in your home that may be impacting your health, take the Hayward Score survey today! Get suggestions on how to make your home healthier, as well as detailed, personalized Action Plans to get you started.

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Dana Sundblad
Dana is a seasoned marketing and communications professional with over 20 years experience helping companies achieve awareness and financial goals in consumer, technology, and non-profit industries. Most recently she was Director of Communications at Castilleja School and began her career in brand marketing with Clorox. She received her MBA from Harvard University and BA from Wellesley College.
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