Each May, thousands of organizations across the country join together to increase public awareness and improve the lives of children and families with asthma—and you can, too. Learn how to be a part of this effort and become a member of EPA’s Asthma Community Network. The network provides a platform to share information about upcoming events, learn tips for planning and promoting activities/events, and connect with other community-based programs to share effective strategies for raising asthma awareness.
Asthma is a serious and sometimes life-threatening chronic respiratory disease. Chances are that you or a loved one knows someone with asthma. This illness affects the quality of life for almost 25 million Americans, including an estimated 7 million children. While there is no cure for this disease, proper care can help those afflicted lead healthy, productive and fully active lives. Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, so it is important to be aware of asthma triggers and know how to prevent asthma attacks. Asthma triggers are allergens and irritants that can cause asthma symptoms, an asthma episode or an asthma attack and that can actually make asthma worse. Identifying asthma triggers in the school environment is the first step to creating a healthy space for students and staff.
Common asthma triggers include—
- Mold
- Chemical irritants
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Dust mites
- Cockroaches and pests
- Pets
- Secondhand smoke
- Outdoor air pollution
Want to get the word out in your school or school district? EPA’s Asthma Awareness Month Event Planning Kit was developed to equip state and local asthma programs to hold community-based asthma awareness and action events during the month of May. The planning kit includes ideas and helpful tips for planning and running powerful community asthma events in schools, hospitals, clinics and state capitols. Sample materials and a resource order form also are included to help you prepare your events.