Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality Should Be on Every Parent’s Child-Proofing Checklist

Experts at National Jewish Health say removing allergens and irritants that cause or exacerbate asthma is important for children’s developing lungs

Parents take a lot of precautions to safeguard their home as their children grow. But as they add everything from electrical outlet covers and cabinet locks to baby gates and table padding, experts at National Jewish Health stress that it’s also important to consider indoor air quality, which can contribute to the development and exacerbation of childhood asthma.

Studies show that the average person spends 90 to 95% of their time indoors, and most of that time is in our homes,” said Michael Nevid, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology at National Jewish Health. “So, ensuring that the environment is as safe as it can be for children’s developing lungs is important to their long-term respiratory health.”

Dr. Nevid recommends adding some “asthma-proofing” steps to your child-proofing checklist to remove or reduce things that research links to the development or exacerbation of asthma, the most common chronic disease among children.

There are many asthma-causing factors that are not within parents’ control, including those linked to genetics, allergies and environmental hazards. But by reducing respiratory risks where you can at home, parents can rest assured, knowing they are doing everything they can to help their kids breathe easier.

Research has shown that things like dust and mold, natural gas, smoke, certain cleaning products and even common respiratory viruses can increase kids' asthma risks. Dr. Nevid offers some simple tips to minimize exposure to indoor air pollutants and improve the air in your home for the whole family:

• Clean regularly: Wipe surfaces, mop and vacuum weekly to prevent dust from building up. Look for vacuum cleaners and air purifiers with HEPA filters that trap things like dust, mold spores, bacteria and pet dander. It’s also a good idea to have your home checked for mold or any water leaks to ensure they are cleaned and sealed. When buying soft or stuffed toys for your little one, look for toys that are machine washable.
• Use safe cleaning products: There are several harsh cleaning chemicals linked to asthma exacerbation, particularly gases known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. While it can be difficult to know if any of your cleaning products contain these harmful ingredients, trusted organizations like the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America provide lists of a wide range of certified safe products for your home.
• Reduce gas exposure: Gas heat and appliances release nitrogen dioxide into the air, a known asthma trigger. To reduce exposure, consider replacing your gas oven and stove with electric or convection, or at least ensure your kitchen is well ventilated. Have your gas furnace inspected annually and remember to replace the filter every 60 to 90 days.
• Eliminate secondhand smoke: Secondhand smoke is not only an asthma trigger, but is also linked to the development of asthma. Never allow anyone to smoke inside your home, and if you are exposed to smoke outside of the home, bring a change of clothes to avoid bringing air pollutants inside.
• Clear the air: You can improve air quality by having your air ducts cleaned every few years. Use portable or household air filtration systems or even plants like peace lilies and spider plants that naturally clean the air. You should also monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) for your area to know when to circulate fresh air in the home and when to keep the windows closed.
• Get vaccinated: Seasonal respiratory viruses like COVID, flu and RSV can cause serious complications for those with asthma. Work with your doctor to ensure your child’s asthma is well-controlled going into peak virus season, wash hands often and stay up-to-date on recommended vaccines for the whole family to prevent the spread of illnesses and lessen their severity.

“It’s important for parents to pay attention to what triggers their child’s breathing symptoms and talk to their doctor about any necessary allergy or asthma testing,” Dr. Nevid said. “A pediatric immunologist can also help parents develop a plan to limit exposures to specific irritants and control symptoms with medications when necessary.”

Denver resident Erica Boniface has always been vigilant about the air in her home after living with severe asthma since childhood. It wasn’t until she was an adult that specialists at National Jewish Health provided a diagnosis of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a progressive genetic lung disease similar to COPD. So when her daughter, Josie, was diagnosed with asthma at the age of three, she took measures to keep the air in their home as clean as possible.

“When we moved into our house, we got rid of all the carpeting, we put fresh coats of safe paint on the walls and we did mold testing. We even had air testing where they bring out these big tubes and test for three days to see what kind of chemicals and hazards are in our air,” Boniface said.

In addition to a whole-home air monitoring system, Boniface keeps air purifiers in several rooms of her home and cool mist humidifiers in both of her kids’ bedrooms. She says, while nothing prevents 100% of asthma flare ups, controlling what she can gives her peace of mind that Josie’s asthma will remain controlled and that it won’t put limits on what she can do.

“Getting a diagnosis like asthma is scary. You automatically picture the kid that is on the bench that can't do certain things, but that's just not the case,” Boniface said. “There are effective treatments and, with the help of our doctor, Josie’s asthma is very well-controlled. She loves to dance and is now part of a competitive dance team. Having asthma hasn’t held her back at all, and I’m going to continue to do everything in my power to keep it that way.”