Asthma And The School Environment

Developed and Prepared by the Minnesota Department of Health June 2004

Minnesota Department of Health www.health.state.mn.us/divs/hpcd/cdee/asthma

Common Asthma Triggers

 Allergens  Mold, dust mites, cockroaches, animal dander, pollens, foods  Irritants  Secondhand smoke, strong odors, volatile organic compounds, ozone, particulate matter, aerosols  Other  Viral respiratory infections  Changes in weather (cold air, wind, humidity)  Exercise  Medication

Indoor School Environment

 All of the common allergen and irritant triggers are found indoors  Americans spend about 90% time indoors  Reducing exposure to indoor allergens & irritants can reduce asthma symptoms  Prevention is an important asthma management tool

Most Common Indoor Environmental Triggers

 Animals in the classroom  Dust Mites  Mold  Pests such as cockroaches & rodents  Secondhand smoke

Animals In The Classroom

 Skin flakes, urine and saliva of warm blooded animals can be asthma triggers  Triggers can remain for several months after the animal is removed

Avoiding Animal Triggers

 Remove animals from school, if possible  If removing animals is not possible:  Keep animals in cages or localized areas  Clean cages regularly  Locate animals away from ventilation system  Locate sensitive students away from animals  Keep animals away from upholstered furniture and carpets

Dust Mites

 Found in most schools  Live in soft bedding such as pillows, carpet, stuffed toys, fabric-covered furniture  Feed on skin flakes  Mites and mite droppings can cause asthma and trigger existing asthma

Avoiding Dust Mite Triggers

 Select washable stuffed toys and wash them often in HOT water  Cover pillows and mattresses in dust-proof zipped covers  Vacuum often when people who are allergic aren’t around

Mold

 Found almost everywhere and can grow on almost any damp substance  Key to mold control is moisture control  Eliminate excess moisture and clean up mold  Reducing moisture also reduces other triggers such as dust mites and cockroaches

Avoiding Mold Triggers

 Wash mold off hard surfaces  Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles and carpet may need to be replaced  Fix leaky plumbing and roofs  Reduce condensation on cold surfaces such as exterior walls by adding insulation  Don’t install carpet in areas with regular moisture problems such as drinking fountains and classroom sinks

Pests

 Cockroaches and other pests such as rats and mice can be found in schools  Droppings or body parts of pests can trigger asthma

Avoiding Pest Triggers

 Integrated pest management (IPM) is used to avoid exposure  Key IPM methods  Look for signs of pests  Do not leave food, water or garbage exposed  Remove pest pathways and shelters  Use pest control products, such as poison baits, traps and pesticide sprays only as needed  Avoid eating or drinking in classrooms

Parents Right To Know Act

 Applies to public and non-public K-12 schools  Must notify parents and employees when plan to apply specific pesticides  MDH has model notices available on the environmental website page

Secondhand Smoke

 Also called environmental tobacco smoke  Contains over 4,000 substances  Can cause asthma in young children  Can trigger asthma attacks

Avoiding Secondhand Smoke

 Minnesota law prohibits tobacco use in all K-12 public schools  Enforce smoking bans

Outdoor Environment

 Can trigger asthma  Outdoor air quality  Ozone  Particulate matter  School buses  Diesel emissions  State law

Outdoor Air Quality

 School staff have little control over most pollutants  Sign up for Air Quality Index alert  Pollution Control Agency sends electronic alerts when poor outdoor air is expected

School Buses

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State law requires schools to:

 Reduce unnecessary bus idling in front of schools  Reroute bus parking zones away from air intake vents, if possible 

Actions include

:  Post “no idling” signs  Maintain bus fleet  Invest in cleaner fuels  Purchase newer, cleaner buses over the long-term

Other Environmental Issues

 Indoor Air Quality Management Plan  Cleaning and cleaning products  Flooring  Air cleaners

Indoor Air Quality Management Plan

 State law requires school districts to develop an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan  Health and Safety funds are tied to an approved plan

IAQ Management Plan

 IAQ Management Plan must include:  Certified (trained) IAQ Coordinator  Walkthrough of all school buildings  Evaluate specific building systems  Written policies » Correct existing problems » Prevent future problems » Respond to emergencies and concerns  School board approval

Cleaning And Cleaning Products

 Remove spots and stains immediately using manufacturer’s recommendations  Keep the dirt out by using walk-off mats at ALL entrances  Use recommended amounts of products  Avoid products with irritants, chemicals or strong odors that may affect students and staff  Don’t mix cleaning products

Flooring

 No one floor covering works for all situations  Maintenance is key  Keep out dirt, use walk-off mats  Regular vacuuming helps reduce allergens  Carpet and Rug Institute “Green Label” program for vacuum cleaners  Consider carpet with high density, short pile & short level loop

Air Cleaners

 Consider other control methods first  Need to consider type and size for best results  Avoid ozone air cleaners

Acknowledgements & Resources

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Resources and materials used

US Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/asthma/index.html

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/hourly/ Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance http://www.moea.state.mn.us/ee/noidle.cfm

Acknowledgements & Resources



Resources and materials used

MDH Environmental Health Division http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/schools/index.html

Minnesota Department of Agriculture http://www.mda.state.mn.us/ipm/ipminschools.html

Institute of Medicine

Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures

http://www.nap.edu/books/0309064961/html/