Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition 

Working to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities affected by asthma.

 

PVAC is a coalition of health professionals and institutions, community groups and residents, public health organizations, municipal and state agencies, academic institutions, schools, day care, housing and environmental groups committed to improving  asthma and environmental conditions that affect health in Western Mass.  

Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition
127 State St., PO Box 4895
Springfield, MA 01101-4895
United States

ph: 413.794.7600

pioneervalleyasthmacoalition@gmail.com

  • Home
  • Healthy Homes
    • Pioneer Valley Resources
    • National Resources
  • Healthy Holyoke
  • Climate Change
  • Healthy Schools
  • Asthma Facts & Awareness
    • What You Can to Avoid Asthma Triggers!
  • Teachers and Coaches
    • Trainings
    • Resources
  • School Nurses
    • School Nurse Asthma Champions
  • Older Adults
    • Presentations on Asthma Management for Older Adults
    • Asthma Home Visits for Older Adults
    • Grand Rounds - Asthma Management for Older Adults
  • PVAC Videos
    • Importance of PVAC
    • Managing Asthma
    • Living with Asthma - Personal Stories
    • Asthma in the Community
    • Asthma in Schools
    • Asthma and Air Pollution
    • Breathe Easies Asthma Education Campaign
    • Air Quality Testing
  • Breathing Easy School IAQ Resources
    • Making the Case
    • EMS/IAQ
    • IAQ and Ventilation Assessment
    • Moisture and Mold
    • IAQ Renovation
    • IAQ Testing
    • Radon
    • Hazardous Materials
    • Integrated Pest Management
    • Green Cleaning
    • General IAQ Management
  • Asthma Resources
    • PVAC Resources
    • Asthma Curricula
    • Asthma Medication and Control
    • Children
    • Teens
    • Parents
    • Providers
    • Teachers
    • Daycare / Preschool
    • Smoking Cessation
  • Events
    • Asthma Management for Older Adults - Training for Home Visitors
    • Asthma Friendly School Event 2014
    • Asthma Awareness Day
    • May 2 Healthy Homes Training
  • Advocacy
    • Speak out on EPA Regulations
    • Idle-free Schools
    • Healthy Air
    • Tobacco Prevention
    • WMCHIA
    • Epinephrine Stocking in Schools
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • PVAC Steering Committee
    • Guiding Principles
    • Past PVAC Meetings
    • Terms of Use
    • Cookies and Privacy

What You Can DO to Avoid Asthma Triggers!

This year we have begun a campaign to remove two asthma triggers that are very common and can make life difficult for children and families with asthma:

1) Avoid bleach!! 

Did you know that Bleach is hazardous and can trigger asthma attacks? For many things, soap and water cleans just fine.

  • Try out our recipes for safe green cleaning that uses everyday household items--white vinegar and baking soda!!  
  • Share our No Bleach flyer with your family and friends. 
  • For schools and businesses, check out these resources for Green Cleaning.

2)Avoid Idling!  Turn your Car off if you're waiting!

Save gas and the environment--turn off your car if you are waiting at school, at a Massachusetts law restricts idling at schools since the pollutants from vehicle exhaust can enter the school building and pollute the air for everyone. This makes life especially difficult for children and adults with asthma.   store or in a drive thru lane.

Last year PVAC led an effort to get No Idling signs at Springfield Schools. This year we want to encourage parents and staff to follow this law--for the sake of our children's health.  Print this "No Idling" postcard and share with your family, friends and colleagues.

Impact of Idling

PVAC is working with UMass Amherst resource economist Sylvia Brandt to look at the impact of traffic based pollution in Springfield. Her research shows that:

  • Traffic based air pollution can cause asthma in some children.

  • Exposure can trigger an asthma attack in those who already have asthma.

  • Future generations are affected as well. Exposure in utero can lead to low birth weight.

  • The health of adults caring for our children is threatened. Traffic-related pollution can lead to death from cardiovascular disease and may increase the probability of developing Alzheimer’s.

Learn more about the impact of idling. Read Prof. Brandt's presentation to PVAC.

Download and share PVAC's No Idling--Children Breathing Ticket (English/Spanish)

Safe Cleaning for People with Asthma:

Cleaning with non-toxic cleaners is a great way to both clean your home and manage asthma. 

  • White vinegar, baking soda and castile or Murphy's oil soap are great substitutes.
  • Use microfiber cloths for more effective cleaning.
  • Clean the house when the person with asthma is NOT home, if possible!

Check out these easy, cheap and non-polluting recipes!


Green Cleaning for Schools

  • Tips for a Healthy Classroom (PDF)
  • Kids Learn Better in a Clean & Healthy School - It's Everyone's Job!(PDF)
  • Breathing Easy School IAQ Resources
  • Cleaning for Healthy Schools Toolkit
  • Healthy Products for Healthy Schools
  • Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Targeted Disinfecting in the Classroom 

 

Copyright Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition

All rights reserved.

Updated  2018 

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Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition
127 State St., PO Box 4895
Springfield, MA 01101-4895
United States

ph: 413.794.7600

pioneervalleyasthmacoalition@gmail.com