Gas stoves and ovens can be a source of indoor air pollution, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), if improperly used or malfunctioning. Nitrogen dioxide, among other pollutants, irritates the lungs and may worsen asthma symptoms.
Be sure a gas stove and oven is properly vented and in good working order.
Never use a gas stove or oven to heat the room.
Always use the exhaust hood when using a gas stove or oven.
Excess water vapor can result in high humidity and wet surfaces which encourages the growth of molds, bacteria and dust mites. Mold can trigger asthma symptoms for children allergic to mold.
Always use the exhaust hood when using a stove or oven.
Be sure exhaust hood is working properly.
Many exhaust hoods do not vent outside; in this case open the closest window and frequently clean the exhaust screen.
Mold is often found on old food items spilled or forgotten in the refrigerator. Mold can trigger asthma symptoms for children allergic to mold.
Clean out the refrigerator often to avoid mold growth.
Throw away old food; wipe shelves, walls and drawers (including area under drawers) inside the refrigerator with a damp, soapy cloth.
Check drip pans under the refrigerator for standing water and mold, drain when needed and wipe with a damp, soapy cloth.
Drain pipes under the sink may get condensation on them or drain pipes may develop leaks, encouraging mold growth. Mold can trigger asthma symptoms for children allergic to mold.
Check drain pipes under sink for leaks and condensation periodically, fix leaks and wipe off condensation.
Check under sink for signs of pests.
Seal any cracks or crevices with caulk.
Clean any mold growth with a damp, soapy cloth.
Trash Can - Pests
Uncovered trash cans are a good source of food for pests and attract cockroaches and mice. Cockroaches produce powerful allergens that can cause asthma attacks in children allergic to cockroaches. Also, studies show that exposure to high levels of cockroach allergens can cause the development of new asthma.
Take out trash daily.
Use good trash bags that resist tearing and tightly fitted trash can lids.
Check cafeteria or kitchen floor for garbage, food crumbs and liquid spills daily, sweep and mop with a soap and water solution daily.
Report signs of pests to the appropriate personnel, note on the Pest Sighting Log.
Consider implementing the Indiana Pesticide Review Board’s suggested pesticide program,
Model Pest Control Policy for Indiana Child Care Facilities
If you suspect pests try an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program rather than chemicals to deal with pests. Examples of IPM include sealing cracks and crevices, removing access to food and water, and using monitoring (sticky) traps or baits. If these actions do not work, low-impact pesticides may be used.
Dirty dishes and food left out attracts pests, such as cockroaches and mice. Cockroaches produce powerful allergens that can cause asthma attacks in children allergic to cockroaches. Also, studies show that exposure to high levels of cockroach allergens can cause the development of new asthma.
Do not leave out food or garbage.
Do not leave dirty dish in the sink over night.
Wipe tables and counters with a damp, soapy cloth after meals and sweep floor thoroughly.
If you suspect pests, use plastic or glass containers for food storage.
Report signs of pests to the appropriate personnel, note on the Pest Sighting Log.
If you suspect pests try an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program rather than chemicals to deal with pests. Examples of IPM include sealing cracks and crevices, removing access to food and water, and using monitoring (sticky) traps or baits. If these actions do not work, low-impact pesticides may be used.
Refer to the Division of Family & Children Building Maintenance Policy 470 IAC 3-4.7-99 for general cleaning policies.
Peanut allergies, though uncommon, can cause severe allergic reactions in children exposed to peanuts or foods containing peanuts. Anaphylaxis, a systemic reaction, is the most common reaction. But asthma symptoms can also occur for children with asthma and peanut allergy. Also, products containing sulfites (a food additive), such as processed potatoes, shrimp, and dried fruit can cause asthma symptoms, particularly in children with severe persistent asthma.
Cardboard boxes make good homes for pests such as cockroaches and mice. Cockroaches produce powerful allergens that can cause asthma attacks in children allergic to cockroaches. Also, studies show that exposure to high levels of cockroach allergens can cause the development of new asthma.
Do not store food items in cardboard boxes. Consider using sealed plastic or glass containers.
Limit the use of cardboard boxes for other stored items.
Excess moisture and humidity levels above 50 percent encourage the growth of mold and dust mites. A humidity monitor gauges the amount of moisture in the air.
Consider installing a humidity monitor to gauge humidity levels.
Use a dehumidifier to reduce levels below 50 percent
Use a dehumidifier. Many detect the humidity level and automatically turn on and off to adjust.
Running an air conditioner will also help reduce humidity levels.
Check the dehumidifier reservoir daily, empty and wipe out as needed.
Air Vent - Dust & Mold
Dust can accumulate on the air vents and in the air ducts, containing allergic asthma triggers, such as mold spores and dust mite allergens. Mold can grow on the air vent or in the air duct work. Good air flow is needed to help reduce moisture in the air.
Be sure the ventilation system is providing good air flow.
Do not block air vents.
Check air vents periodically. Vacuum with a brush attachment when needed. Wipe any mold off with damp, soapy cloth. Take the grill off to check the duct work for signs of mold. Be sure the air vent grill is dry before replacing to prevent mold and rust.
Maintain humidity levels below 50 percent.