Breatheasyville News

Indiana Department of Environmental Management E-News Release

For immediate release

IDEM’s Breatheasyville Web site helps people with asthma and professionals who help them

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, and as many as 341,000 adult Hoosiers have been diagnosed with asthma.

Medical providers point to a number of environmental problems that can trigger breathing difficulty and asthma attacks for patients. Doctors commonly advise patients to work toward pinpointing specific irritants and allergens that affect them for better control over this potentially fatal health condition.

Beginning now, Hoosiers can turn to the state’s new “Breatheasyville” Web site for help in narrowing down the environmental problems that bring on asthma attacks and other difficulties in breathing.

“For someone with asthma, finding the environmental problem or problems that trigger their attacks can take a bit of sleuthing,” said Governor Mitch Daniels. “In providing Breatheasyville, we are giving Hoosiers the magnifying glass and trench coat they need to track down problem irritants and allergens at home, school, workplace and their outdoor surroundings.”

Preventable and avoidable environmental triggers pop from their surroundings as mouse-clicks open the doors of Breatheasyville homes and tours of indoor and outdoor public places. The Breatheasyville virtual tours help visitors spot common environmental problems along city streets, rural neighborhoods and country roads, to help them avoid breathing difficulties before they arise.

Straightforward tips are provided for preventing asthma inducing dust mites, household cleaning vapors, paint vapors, mold growing in damp spaces, and other common triggers found in the home, where families spend the majority of their time. Outdoors, the site points out dust from construction sites and unpaved roads, pollen, fine particle pollution, ozone pollution and vehicle exhaust, which pose problems for children and adults enjoying leisure time outdoors, working outdoors, or simply spending time outdoors while waiting on the bus.

Daniels added, “The Breatheasyville site is noteworthy because it includes useful information for medical providers, as well as individuals diagnosed with the condition.”

Breatheasyville is the first Web site of its kind to provide comprehensive information for both health professionals and the citizens they help. Parents and children can view information designed for families; medical providers will find links for training along with useful tools that improve communication between the care provider and patient.

IDEM Commissioner Tom Easterly said the site will be useful for professionals who don’t work in health fields but have roles in asthma management issues.

“The site provides guidance and links to regulations for school administrators who have a direct role in helping school children manage their illness,” said Easterly. “Real estate agents and landlords will find guidance and information useful in property transfer and rental agreements as they work with families who are working to address indoor environmental issues to help a child or parent control an asthma condition.”

The announcement of Breatheasyville comes on the heels of IDEM’s January 2005 alerts for sensitive populations in Northwest, Central and North Central Indiana about elevated levels of fine particle pollution that could trigger ill health effects for individuals with respiratory and heart conditions, young children and the elderly. Individuals can sign up to receive E-mail notifications about air quality by visiting IDEM’s Smog Watch Web site at http://www.in.gov/apps/idem/smog/ .

The Indiana State Department of Health last month released “ A Strategic Plan for Addressing Asthma in Indiana," and goals to increase understanding about asthma, help individuals with asthma to control symptoms, address barriers to access to quality medical care and supportive outreach services, ensure health care providers follow best practice guidelines in the diagnosis and management of asthma, and reduce environmental hazards that contribute to asthma in Indiana homes, rental properties, and commercial buildings. The complete state asthma strategic plan is available on the State Department of Health Web site at www.statehealth.in.gov.

State officials advise individuals to consult a physician for care in treating all health concerns or illnesses, including asthma. The Breatheasyville site is designed to build on the information and advice asthma patients receive from medical providers. Environmental health staff designed the Breatheasyville Web site with funds provided through a grant obtained from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

IDEM (www.IN.gov/idem) oversees and implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. IDEM issues permits and pursues appropriate action when violations occur that would harm public health or Indiana 's air, land and water. Through incentive programs and outreach projects, the agency also encourages businesses and citizens to take actions every day to protect and improve Indiana 's environment.

Reporters’ contact:
Amy Hartsock
800-451-6027 ext. 3-4927