Some Outdoor Asthma Triggers: Where can I find more information
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Ozone (O3)
and Dust about Asthma? Massachusetts Resources: Asthma Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is a common air pol- lutant that results from coal and oil- burning American Lung Association of Massachusetts and Your Phone: 508-947-7204 power plants. Ozone, also known as smog, is one of the most common air pollutants that can trig- Fax: 508-947-7208 Email: info@ala-ma.org Environment www.lungusa.org/massachusetts/ ger asthma attacks. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Dust is made up of solids (e.g., street sand New England Chapter from construction work, paint chips, Tel and TTY: 617-965-7771 smoke) or liquids (vehicle exhaust, etc.) tollfree: 1-877-2-ASTHMA Action Steps: Fax: 617-965-8886 Controlling outdoor triggers can be diffi- Email: info@asthmaandallergies.org cult. Here are some steps to reduce your For more information on this www.asthmaandallergies.org/ exposure. brochure contact: Boston Urban Asthma Coalition Consider staying indoors when ozone or Massachusetts Department of c/o Massachusetts Prevention Center other pollutant levels are high. Public Health Tel: 617-279-2277 Center for Environmental Health, Pay attention to air pollution warnings in Fax: 617-282-3950 Bureau of Environmental Health local newspapers, online, or on television www.buac.org Assessment and radio. United States Environmental Protection 250 Washington Street, 7th Floor Close windows and use air conditioning. Agency Boston, MA 02108 Limit outdoor activities to early in the Asthma No Attacks Hotline 617-624-5757 morning or later in the evening. Tel: 1-866-662-8822 www.state.ma.us/dph/beha/beha.htm http://www.epa.gov/asthma/ Consider removing your shoes at the door.
Some chemicals and pollutants
in your environment can make your asthma worse.
Your environment is where you
live, learn, work, play or visit. What is asthma? Indoor Asthma Triggers: Asthma is a lung disease that makes it dif- Environmental Chemicals and Pollutants Pets and Bugs ficult to breathe. Airways that carry air in and out of the lungs become swollen and Strong smelling household cleaners or any product with a strong Dander from birds, cats, dogs, gerbils, rats and mice can remain in tight. People who are having an asthma odor like paint, perfume, hairspray, air fresheners, bug- sprays, moth the house or apartment dust long after the animal has left. attack often cough, wheeze and feel that balls, bombs or foggers. Cockroach droppings can also affect asthma. they need to catch their breath. The fumes from your car when idling in the garage or near your house or apartment. Idling is leaving your car engine on What you can do: How do I know if I have asthma? when the car is not moving. Keep pets away from fabric-covered furniture Talk to a doctor if you or someone in your (especially your bed), carpets and stuffed toys. Vapors and or fumes/odors from gas, oil or kerosene stoves. family has trouble breathing. The cause Wash your hands, face and arms after playing with of asthma is not known, and there is no What you can do: your pet. cure. A serious asthma attack can even Open a window when you use household cleaners or cook to allow fresh air into the house or apartment. Molds result in death. Do not stay in the area of a car that is idling. Molds live in warm, moist places such as base- What are environmental asthma Vent furnaces, electrical ranges, space heaters, ments, kitchens, bathrooms, under old carpets, ceiling tiles or any triggers? gas, wood and coal stoves to the outside. place that collects water. Asthma triggers are chemicals or aller- Secondhand Smoke What you can do: gens that make you have an asthma attack. Strong chemical smells, dust or Prevent mold by repairing leaks and moisture areas. Smoke from a burning cigarette, pipe, cigar, etc. pets can also trigger an asthma attack. Wash all surfaces with vinegar (do not use bleach as it can trigger Your asthma triggers may be very differ- What you can do: an asthma attack). ent than other people with asthma. Not If you smoke, quit. Repair moldy ceiling tiles and carpets to keep mold away. all asthma triggers affect people the If you do not smoke, Household Dust Mites same way. avoid places where Environmental asthma triggers can be other people smoke. Dust mites are tiny insects that cannot be seen with the naked eye. found both indoors and outdoors. Dust mites can be found in any fabric covered item in your home (mattresses, sofas, clothes, stuffed toys, carpets). Use the following tips to help you and your family avoid asthma triggers. What you can do: Frequently wash bed sheets, pillowcases and blankets in hot water. Wear a mask when vacuuming and replace vacuum bags often. Use dust mite cover on your pillows and mattress.