Indoor Asthma Triggers

Some of the strongest environmental asthma triggers are found indoors, especially in the home. See Controlling Asthma Triggers in the Home (PDF) for ways to control triggers and pages Moisture and Asthma and Pests and Asthma for more information.

Quick tips for controlling indoor asthma triggers:

  • Tobacco smoke: Do not allow smoking in the house or in the car.
  • Dust mites: Special mite-proof pillow and mattress covers and frequent washing of bedding in hot water can prevent accumulation of dust mites.
  • Cockroaches: Deny roaches food, water, hiding places and entry. Don’t use pesticide sprays, fogs or bombs – they are not effective and can expose you to dangerous pesticides. Gel baits, bait stations and boric acid are effective and, if used properly, minimize pesticide exposure.
  • Mold: Throw out things that are moldy or have been soaked for more than a couple of days. Get information on cleaning mold safely. The key to reducing mold is reducing excessive moisture.
  • Rodents: Use snap traps, not poisons.
  • Combustion Products: Home appliances that burn fuel produce irritant gases and fine particles that, if not properly vented, can trigger asthma attacks. Have the furnace, water heater, flues and chimney inspected each year, don’t use unvented (non-electric) space heaters, and do use exhaust fans vented to the outside.
  • Household Products: Avoid pesticides, solvents, building materials and cleaning products with strong odors.

Since excessive moisture helps mold, mites and roaches flourish, take steps to reduce moisture. Triggers accumulate in dust and dirt on surfaces, so keep dust levels down, using wet cleaning and vacuuming (with an allergen-proof or double bag). Too much to do? Start with the bedroom and make it as free as possible from triggers.

Other Indoor Asthma Resources:

Other Asthma Pages:

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