Asthma is a serious, sometimes fatal, health condition that disproportionately affects low-income, minority populations. Asthma is the most prevalent chronic childhood illness in America. Asthma is not only a health issue but affects school performance, family income, health care costs, and employment. 

Asthma places a significant economic burden on society, estimated at over $56 billion annually. In New Jersey alone, more than 600,000 adults and 167,000 children have asthma. 

Research shows that roughly 20-30% of asthma cases are linked to home environmental triggers. Issues such as moisture, mold, dust, pests, pets, air fresheners, chemical cleaners, and tobacco smoke.  However, home-based education and housing repairs can significantly reduce asthma symptoms and health care costs. 

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What Causes Asthma In My Home?

Mold
Mold grows on damp surfaces such as shower curtains, bath items, tubs, basins, and tiles.

 

What can I do?

• Read the Mold section above to learn more, 

 

Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny bugs you can’t see. They live in sheets, blankets, pillows, mattresses, soft furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys, such as stuffed animals.
 

What can I do?

Wash bed sheets and blankets once a week and dry completely. Use dust-proof covers on pillows and mattresses. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture often. Wash stuffed toys frequently and dry them completely.

 

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. Choose not to smoke in your home or car, and don’t allow others to do so either.

 

What can I do?

• Don’t smoke in your home or car.

• ​Don’t let anyone smoke near your child.

 

Cats and Dogs
Warmblooded animals may trigger asthma attacks.

 

What can I do?

• Keep pets outside if possible.

• ​If you have a pet inside, keep them out of the bedroom and off the furniture.

• Vacuum carpets and furniture often; consider using a HEPA vacuum to remove pet hair from your home. 

 

Chemical Irritants
Chemical irritants found in some products in your house, such as scented or unscented products, including cleaners, paints, adhesives, pesticides, cosmetics, or air fresheners, may make your child’s asthma worse and are known to be cancer-causing.

 

What can I do?

• Use these products less often and make sure your child is not around when you use the products. Also, consider trying different products.

• ​Take great care to follow the instructions on the label. If you use these products, make sure windows and doors are open and that you use an exhaust fan.

• Choose a safer alternative. There are inexpensive, effective, and safer products available to help you clean your home.