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Tips for
managing triggers
[Click
on the asterisk next to shaded terms for definitions.]
School personnel can take significant
steps to cut down on potential triggers< a href="../index.html" onClick="MM_openBrWindow('../glossary/trigger.htm','termtrigger','scrollbars=yes,width=400,height=300')">
in the school environment. All staff should be involved in "troubleshooting"
possible triggers. Here are a few general suggestions to get you
started.
- Clean classrooms on a regular
basis
- Keep schools tobacco smoke-free,
including bathrooms and stairwells. Don't allow smoking by staff
or visitors even in "off hours"
- Limit grass and plant trimming
to after hours
- Use cleaning solvents or
fumigate when school is not in session
- Require staff to wear non-latex
gloves when preparing foods or treating students medically
- Control/cover chemicals
and volatile materials used in science and art classes
- Avoid using pens, glue,
and paints which emit irritating fumes
- Be careful of having too
many plants: they are a source of mold growth
- Isolate (or do not bring)
fur-bearing or feathered animals in classrooms where students have asthma
- Make sure all cleaned carpets
are thoroughly dried so mold does not grow in them
- Post/publish ingredients
in all foods served by cafeteria and/or have a complete ingredient list
available for interested families
- Avoid outdoor exercise when
pollen or pollution levels are high
- Keep windows closed when
pollen or pollution levels are high. Install air conditioning for
all classrooms
- Repair all leaks immediately
- Eliminate standing water
in maintenance rooms, near piping, in ceiling tiles
- Check regularly and treat
for cockroaches, mice and other pests
| Integrated
Pest Management (IPM)< a href="../index.html" onClick="MM_openBrWindow('../glossary/ipm.htm','termipm','scrollbars=yes,width=400,height=300')">
practices, developed by the Environmental Protection Agency, should
be used to prevent cockroach or pest problems. |
- Provide adequate ventilation
to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-60%
- Schedule painting and major
building maintenance or renovations during times when school is not
in session.
Don't forget: When you know
a student has asthma, be sure to find out what his or her potential asthma
triggers are. Then review ways to manage those triggers effectively!
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