Playground

Sandbox - Pets

Pets and other animals with fur can be an allergen source. For children with pet-allergic asthma, exposure to proteins in skin flakes (dander), saliva, urine and/or feces can trigger an asthma attack.

• Be sure outdoor areas where children play are free of animal waste.

• Cover sandbox when not in use.

Jungle Jim - Physical Exercise

Physical exercise, especially in cold air, is a common trigger of brief episodes of asthma symptoms for children, limiting airflow to the lungs. Air pollution can worsen asthma symptoms during exercise or play. Though exercise can be an asthma trigger, due to hyperventilation and loss of water, active children with asthma have stronger lungs than inactive children.

• Refrain from strenuous physical exercise on Ozone Action Days. Ozone Action Days usually occur on warms days with little wind.

• Refer to IDEM Smog Watch website for daily smog levels or call 1-800-631-2871 or (317) 233-2318.

• Make sure care givers and children with exercised induced asthma are aware of how to recognize the onset of asthma symptoms and a change in breathing such as: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, tight chest, chest hurts.

• Visit the Indiana Chronic Disease Management Program  website for more information on Exercise and Asthma

Mulch - Mold

Mulch is often used as an impact absorbing material on the playground. Mold begins to grow in/on mulch once it becomes wet. Mold can trigger asthma symptoms for children allergic to mold. Consider replacing wood mulch with rubber playground material, which is made from recycled tire chips. Mold grows on organic material, breaking it down to use as a food source. Because tire chips are inorganic, mold does not grow on rubber playground material. This material provides more cushion than wood mulch and does not deteriorate over time. Initially, rubber playground material is more expensive. However, over the long-term it is more cost efficient than wood mulch because it will not need to be replaced.

Landscaping - Pollen

Tree, grass, and weed pollen allergens can cause asthma symptoms in people with asthma allergic to one or more of these pollens.

• Limit outdoor activities, such as running, when pollen and mold counts are high.

• Select plants and trees that produce less pollen. For example, plants with large bright flowers, such as roses, have large heavy pollen grains that need bees and insects to carry pollen from one plant to another. The pollen grains are too heavy to remain airborne.

• Avoid cutting grass during operation hours when children are present.

• Refer to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology website for Daily Pollen & Mold Counts .

Car Exhaust - Air Pollution

Automobile engines release air pollutants, including fine particles, nitrogen oxides (NO x) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through incomplete combustion. Exposure to traffic fumes, particularly diesel exhaust, can irritate lungs and can worsen asthma symptoms. Child care homes, ministries and centers located near high traffic areas need to be aware of traffic fumes, particularly diesel exhaust, and smog levels. Children breathe at a faster rate than adults making them more sensitive to pollutants.

• Adopt a no-idling policy for drop-off and pick-up, especially if vehicles are able to pull up directly in front of doors or windows.

• Limit outdoor activities on Ozone Action Days. Ozone Action Days usually occur on hot, sunny summer days with little to no wind.

• Refer to IDEM’s Smog Watch website for daily ozone levels or call 1-800-631-2871 or (317) 233-2318.

• If the building is near high traffic areas keep windows closed when ozone/smog levels are high, use air conditioners to filter air when possible.

Trash Cans - Pests

Outdoor trash cans are a potential food source for pests if poorly maintained. 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.

• Be sure dumpsters/trash cans have lids to prevent standing water and pests.

• Be sure dumpsters/trash cans are located away from child play areas and there is no trash outside of containers.

• Check for cracks and crevices on the outside of the building, seal with caulk to prevent pests from entering the building.

Ventilation Air Intake - Dust & Air Pollution

Dust accumulates in ventilation ducts and can be brought into the system through the outdoor air intake. Dust often contains asthma triggers, such as mold and pollen spores. Air pollution can also be brought into the system if located near a pollution source, such as an exhaust vent or vehicle exhaust.

• Be sure that the ventilation system is clean and working properly.

• Do not block or close air intake vents.

• Change air filters every six months. Consider replacing filters with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters or pleated electrostatic air filters which will capture more particulates (found at local hardware stores.)

• Be sure intake screens are accessible for inspection and cleaning.

• Locate outdoor air intakes away from pollutant sources, such as restroom and cafeteria exhausts or vehicle exhaust.

Renovation Materials - Strong Odors & Dust

Renovation and repair projects produce dust. Materials such as caulks, solvents, paints, adhesives and sealants used give off fumes with strong odors. Many new materials such as carpet or vinyl flooring, paint, composite furniture and cabinets contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde, that will continually release fumes for some time. IDEM has created an Early Child Care Repair/Renovation Checklist with recommendations for repairs and working with a contractor.

No Smoking Sign - Environmental Tobacco Smoke

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is the most common irritant causing asthma symptoms and attacks. Children exposed to ETS are more likely to suffer from: more frequent and severe asthma attacks; bronchitis and pneumonia; wheezing and coughing spells; and more ear infections.

• Do not smoke inside the building or only in designated areas where children will not be exposed.

• Do not allow smoking outside of the building near open windows/doors or on the playground when children are present.

• Encourage parents not to smoke at home or in the car where children can be exposed.

• To get assistance to stop smoking visit Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation .