Why is it important to learn about asthma friendly schools? According to the CDC, there will be three asthmatics in a classroom of 30 students. Teachers can do a lot to promote asthma friendly schools. Consider talking to your child's teacher about these 10 ideas.
- Report mold, odors, and other unsafe conditions. Many different things can trigger an asthma attack. Unusual smells or other environmental conditions may irritate your child's asthma. Ask teachers to report these conditions to the school maintenance department for remediation.
Also consider asking your school to become totally smoke-free if it is not already. While teachers and staff may not smoke directly around your child, smoke on their clothes could cause your child to have an exacerbation.
- Do not use spray pesticides. Report problems with pests directly to maintenance staff. Many schools now use an integrated pest management program that minimizes hazards to students, staff, school property, and is also more environment-friendly. Additionally, these pest control methods are often also less expensive.
- Reduce classroom clutter. By decreasing clutter in the classroom, your child's teacher decreases the risk of collection of pests or other triggers, such as dust. Utilizing plastic storage bins makes cleaning significantly easier.
- Improve classroom ventilation. Air quality affects risk of developing asthma symptoms, and this can be helped by ensuring adequate ventilation. By keeping air vents in the classroom free of obstruction, airflow and air quality will be improved. Make sure all vents are free of obstructions such as furniture and storage bins.
- Avoid carpeting and other upholstered furniture. Carpets and upholstered furniture are areas where dust mites thrive. Additionally, dust and other allergens congregate in these areas and are more difficult to clean for maintenance staff.
- Beware of the science project. While art projects and science projects are beloved by students, make sure teachers think about potential odors and toxicities of any needed cleaning afterward.
- Avoid all aerosols. Make sure your teacher understands that aerosols and other chemicals can irritate your child's lungs and potentially cause breathing problems.
- Keep pets out of the classroom. Both birds and animals with hair are potential triggers for your child's asthma. Ask your teacher to discuss any classroom animals with you before exposing your child.
- Avoid food in the classroom. All children spill food at times, and this becomes a risk for pests. Ask that any spills be cleaned up quickly. Any food stored in the classroom should be kept in sealed containers.
- Consider forming a committee to promote healthy school maintenance. If you want your child to have a healthy and safe school, you may need to participate and advocate for your child.
Source:
The Pediatric/Adult Asthma Coalition of New Jersey. Accessed August 8, 2010. Asthma Friendly Schools
