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News Releases from Region 07

Take Steps to Control Asthma by Learning the Triggers

05/04/2016
Contact Information: 
LaTonya Sanders (sanders.latonya@epa.gov)
913-551-7555

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., May 4, 2016) - One in 10 kids in America suffers from asthma, and communities of color and low-income families are disproportionately impacted. Asthma is a major public health issue, affecting nearly 23 million people. Although there is no cure for asthma yet, asthma can be controlled through medical treatment and management of environmental triggers.

"We can take steps to protect our families and control asthma by learning the triggers and creating an action plan," said EPA Region 7 Administrator Mark Hague. "We know our public health is directly connected to our environment, and threats such as climate change are aggravating symptoms for communities across the country, which is why improving air quality is one of EPA’s top priorities.”

Americans can help control their asthma symptoms and maintain active lifestyles with three simple steps:

1. Identify and avoid environmental asthma triggers. Air pollution, dust mites, secondhand smoke, mold, pests, and pet dander can trigger asthma attacks. Work with your doctor to identify and avoid your personal asthma triggers, since asthma sufferers are affected differently.

2. Create an asthma action plan. An asthma action plan will help you monitor your asthma daily and will offer steps to reduce your exposure to your personal triggers through effective control strategies. Ask your doctor to assist you in creating an asthma action plan.

3. Pay attention to air quality. Exposure to ozone and particle pollution can cause asthma attacks. Check local air quality conditions at http://airnow.gov and download an Air Quality Index app for your smart phone.

EPA supports Asthma Awareness Month through our ongoing efforts to increase public awareness of the asthma epidemic and focusing on ways to improve the lives of children and families with asthma. EPA is partnering with organizations taking action to get asthma under control in communities across the nation.

EPA Region 7 will participate in the Black Health Care Coalition’s Active Kids Asthma Camp at the Gregg/Klice Community Center, 1600 John “Buck” O’Neil Way, Kansas City, Mo., on Saturday, May 21, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

EPA is conducting a coordinated approach to promoting scientific understanding of environmental asthma triggers and comprehensive asthma management through research, education and community-focused outreach.

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Learn more about asthma:
Asthma Awareness, including Asthma Awareness Month
Asthma Triggers: Gain Control
Coordinated Federal Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Asthma Disparities

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