Managing Asthma in the School Environment

On average, three children in a classroom of 30 are likely to have asthma.

Check out the newly updated Managing Asthma in the School Environment document to learn what you can do to help.

The Asthma Epidemic in Schools

Children spend a lot of time in our nation’s schools, and with an average of one out of every 10 school-aged children suffering from asthma, the school environment is an important vehicle for managing asthma triggers. Schools, like homes, have the potential to house several asthma triggers, including mold and moisture, pests and dust mites.

Download the newly updated Managing Asthma in the School Environment document to learn how you can help control asthma at your school and boost student performance – as asthma accounts for nearly 10.5 million missed school days each year in children aged 5 to 17.

Action Steps to Manage Asthma

• Establish and continuously evaluate your school or district’s IAQ management program: Use the resources and tools available through the IAQ Tools for Schools Program to develop a comprehensive and inclusive IAQ management program.
• Develop an asthma management plan in your school or district: To expand the reach and scope of your IAQ management program, coordinate school, family and community efforts to better manage asthma symptoms and reduce school absences among students with asthma.
• Reduce environmental asthma triggers: Take steps to reduce mold and moisture in your school buildings, implement integrated pest management and reduce individual sources of indoor air pollution, including secondhand smoke, chemicals and school bus exhaust.