Classroom

Carpet - Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny bugs too small to see with the naked eye that are found in fabrics, including carpeting. Allergies to dust mites are common among children. Also, studies show that exposure to dust mites can cause the development of new asthma.

• Choose hard-surface flooring as an alternative when possible. Use washable area rugs as needed. Wash in hot water (130 ° F) weekly.

• Regularly vacuum carpet when children are not present; High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter vacuums or HEPA filter bags are recommended.

• Clean spilled liquids immediately. Limit or avoid eating on carpeted areas.

• Professionally clean carpets during unoccupied times (e.g., weekends) as needed. Be sure carpet is completely dry within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

• For carpets wet longer than 48 hours (i.e. floods); wet vacuum the carpet, use fans to accelerate the drying process and use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels.

• Maintain humidity levels less than 50 percent.

• Maintain carpeting with manufactures guidelines.

• For additional information on cleaning mold refer to EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. For Early Child Care Homes refer to EPA’s A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home.

Bunny - Pets

Animals with fur (e.g., dogs, cats, guinea pigs) have proteins in their dander (skin flakes), saliva, feces and urine. Many children are allergic to these proteins or allergens. Fish, turtles and snakes do not produce such allergens.

• Consider removing pet(s) from the classroom if there are children with asthma present that are allergic to pet dander. It may take months for allergen levels to decrease after the pet is removed.

• If removal of pet(s) is not possible, keep animals in separate rooms than children with pet allergies and do the following actions:

  • Consider placing dense filtering material over forced air outlets to trap airborne dander particles.

  • Keep pet(s) in cages as much as possible, clean waste from cages daily.

  • Locate pet(s) away from ventilation intakes and returns.

  • Store pet food in sealed containers to avoid pest problems.

  • Consider issuing a Pet Notice to all families if there are children with asthma in a classroom with pets.

  • Refer to the Division of Family & Children Pet Policy 470 IAC 3-4.7-65 for specific pet policies.

Bookshelf - Dust

Dust collects on all indoor surfaces and contains allergic asthma triggers, such as mold spores and dust mite allergens.

• Regularly wipe hard surfaces including shelves and toys with a damp, soapy cloth removing dust.

• Reduce clutter and unnecessary items in the classroom. Clutter encourages pests.

Stuffed Toys - Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny bugs too small to see with the naked eye that are found in fabrics, including stuffed toys. Allergies to dust mites are common among children. Also, studies show that exposure to dust mites can cause the development of new asthma.

• Choose washable stuffed toys. However, keep to a minimum and either put them in a freezer overnight or wash in hot water (130°F) weekly. Dry thoroughly.

• Maintain humidity levels less than 50 percent

• If pesticides are sprayed in the classroom, be sure all toys are picked-up off the floor so that pesticides are not sprayed on toys.

• Use caution when accepting donations of toys and fabric-covered furniture. These items may contain allergens. Be sure to clean thoroughly before use.

Water Damaged Ceiling Tiles - Mold

Water-damaged materials, such as ceiling tiles, encourage mold growth. Mold can trigger asthma symptoms for children allergic to mold.

• Check for water stains on ceilings, walls, floors, and window sills.

• Locate the source of the water leak immediately. Fix all leaks to avoid further problems.

• Thoroughly clean or replace porous (e.g., ceiling tiles, carpet) water-damaged materials that are wet longer than 48 hours.

Open Window - Pollen, Mold & Air Pollution

Outdoor air pollution, pollen and mold spores can drift into the school through an open window, all of which can make asthma symptoms worse. Buildings located near high traffic areas need to be aware of traffic fumes, particularly diesel exhaust, and smog levels.

• Keep windows closed when pollen or mold counts are high. Use air conditioners to filter air when possible.

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

• 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.

• 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.

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

• Be sure screens are on all of the windows and the screens are in good condition to prevent pests from entering the building.

Blinds - Dust

Dust collects on all indoor surfaces and contains allergic asthma triggers, such as mold spores and dust mite allergens. Regularly wipe window blind surfaces with a damp, soapy cloth to remove dust.

Art Supplies - Strong Odors

Art supplies can give off fumes with strong odors that can irritate the lungs and cause or worsen asthma symptoms.

• Limit children’s exposure to products with strong odors.

• Use non-toxic art supplies or choose products with the lowest volatile organic compound (VOC) content available. Be sure there is good ventilation when using art supplies.

Trash Can - Pests

Pests, such as cockroaches, are attracted to food waste found in trash cans. 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 regularly and reduce clutter in the classroom.

• Do not leave out food or garbage. Do not allow children to leave food or garbage in their cubby shelves.

• If snacks or lunches are eaten in the classroom, clean food crumbs and liquid spills daily. Sweep or vacuum regularly.

• Check hard to reach places and damp areas for signs of pests regularly, monitor with sticky traps.

• Store food in airtight containers, including pet food

• Use plastic tubs for storage instead of cardboard boxes

• Report signs of pests to the proper personnel, note on a 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.

Space Heater/Heating Sources - Combustion Appliance

Space heaters are prohibited from licensed child care homes, ministries and centers. Children may touch a space heater and burn themselves. Combustion pollutants from an unvented gas fueled space heater produces nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), among other pollutants that irritate the lungs and may worsen asthma symptoms.

• The following heat sources are prohibited in licensed child care homes/ministries/centers: open grate gas heaters; open fireplaces; space heaters; portable unventilated oil burning heaters; portable electric heaters according to the Division of Family and Children Prohibited Heat Sources  470 IAC 3-4.7-105

• Be sure that approved heating devices are properly vented and in good working order.

• Enclosed wood stoves are permitted when properly vented, though not recommended. Smoke is an irritant that can cause asthma symptoms or worsen asthma. Do not store wood inside the building, which makes a good home for pests.

Candle - Strong Odors

Candles use strong fragrances that can irritate the lungs and release particulate matter or soot which may also cause asthma symptoms. Spray and plug-in air fresheners also use strong fragrances that can irritate the lungs of sensitive children. Do not use candles or other air fresheners.

Plant - Mold

Plants can be a potential source of mold, if plants are over watered or allowed to sit in standing water. Mold can trigger asthma symptoms for children allergic to mold.

• Limit the number of plants you bring in from home.

• Do not over water and do not allow plants to sit in standing water.

• Repot once a year.

• Remove dead plant matter. Do not allow dead leaves to rot in the pot.

• Clean any mold growth on pot with a damp, soapy cloth.

Air Vent - Dust & Mold

Dust collects on all indoor surfaces and contains allergic asthma triggers, such as mold spores and dust mite allergens. Air flow is needed to help reduce moisture in the air. Excess moisture encourages mold growth.

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

• Do not block or close air vents.

• Maintain humidity levels at or below 50 percent.

• Clean any mold growth with a damp, soapy cloth.