Teachers:
Asthma Management in Schools

Teachers can reduce asthma triggers in the classroom and make sure air quality is good. They can make decisions that positively effect the classroom environment, such as not using household pesticides, candles or air fresheners and reducing clutter. Teachers have the unique opportunity and responsibility to create an atmosphere that encourages learning for all children.

General Education

  • Identify students with asthma and understand their Asthma Action Plan. Know what actions to take if a student has an asthma attack.
  • Know how to recognize asthma symptoms, which include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breathe.
  • When attending field trips, remember to bring Asthma Action Plans and medications for each child with asthma.
  • Educate all children about asthma. Explain the use of medications and any special needs, especially when treatments are given in the classroom. This can be used as a learning experience.

Sanitation and Strong Odor Control

  • Teachers and children should wash hands frequently to reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses.
  • Keep chalk dust to a minimum.
  • Clean spills promptly. Be sure wet carpet is dry within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
  • Vacuum carpet and clean the classroom often.
  • Keep the teacher’s lounge and other eating areas clean to prevent pests.
  • Report odors such as vehicle exhaust, food, chemicals and mildew to the appropriate personnel.
  • Do not bring cleaning products, air fresheners, candles, pesticides or furniture from home to the classroom.
  • Do not use perfume/cologne

Animals

  • Do not have animals with dander (fur or feathers) in the classroom. Consider a pet without dander such as a turtle, fish or snake.
  • If animal(s) are present, keep them in cages at all times. Clean cages daily.
  • Wash hands after handling, feeding, or cleaning the animal’s cage.
  • Locate animal cages away from ventilation air vents.
  • Issue a Pet Notice to all families when there is an animal in the classroom.

Pest Control

  • Report signs of pests to the appropriate personnel. Note on a Pest Sighting Log.
  • Sticky baits and monitor boxes aid in detecting pests.
  • Reduce clutter in the classroom.
  • Use plastic tubs for storage instead of cardboard boxes.
  • Do not bring in pesticide products from home.
  • Store all food items in tightly sealed containers, including pet food.
  • Do not allow students to keep food in their desks.

Ventilation and Mold Control

  • Report water damage, condensation and moisture problems to the appropriate personnel.
  • Keep heating/cooling units on during times when children are present. Keep dampers open to be sure enough airflow is coming into the classroom.
  • Do not block vents by storing books, boxes and other items on unit ventilators or in front of air vents.
  • Limit houseplants in the classroom. Do not over water houseplants. Do not allow standing water in base of pots.

Art Education

  • Children with asthma may be sensitive to strong odors from art supplies. Art supplies and activities that may cause an attack include: solvents, inks, adhesives, and glues; wax varnishes and lacquers; powdered pigments, acids, paints, and firing kilns.
  • Have spill clean-up measures in place.
  • Use art supplies labeled “nontoxic” or with the lowest volatile organic content available.
  • Many art supplies will continually off-gas. Properly label and store these supplies out of children’s reach.
  • Be sure to use proper ventilation when using art supplies.

Science Laboratory

  • Children with asthma may be sensitive to strong odors from some science supplies. Science supplies that may cause an asthma attack include: solvents, acids, flammables, caustics, biological products, and compressed gases.
  • Have spill clean-up measures in place.
  • Use diluted chemicals whenever possible.
  • Many science supplies will continually off-gas. Properly label and store these supplies according to manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Be sure to use proper ventilation (fume hoods and exhaust fans) when using chemicals.

Vocational Education

  • Children with asthma may be sensitive to strong odors from some vocational activities. Vocational activities and supplies that may cause an asthma attack include: machining, solvents, grinding, fuels, painting, soldering, welding, baking/heating, and adhesives.
  • Have spill clean-up measures in place.
  • Many vocational supplies will continually off-gas. Properly label and store these supplies.
  • Ensure proper ventilation (fume hoods and exhaust fans) when using vocational supplies.