Air pollution in schools affects how children learn and is harmful to their developing lungs. Poor indoor air quality also causes health problems for faculty and staff. Asthma is one of the most common causes of school absences due to a chronic disease. Some of the issues that arise for schools educating children with asthma include potential asthma emergencies, absenteeism, decreased student productivity, increased health office visits, and maintaining access to lifesaving medications. In many cases, schools are not prepared to manage these issues, resulting in a school environment that may actually worsen an individual's asthma and inhibit students' learning. When children with asthma go to school, their health and safety become a shared responsibility between the school, parents, and healthcare provider.
The American Lung Association believes that coordination between schools and the healthcare system is critical to improve asthma health outcomes. Provision of adequate health services may require creative solutions, such as partnerships and establishing links between schools and communities. By encouraging policymakers to create safe school environments you can help those suffering from asthma and other lung diseases.
Here are four policy recommendations set forth in the National Asthma Public Policy Agenda. (Although these policy recommendations focus on schools, children with asthma in all institutional settings, including childcare and residential programs, should receive similar protections.)
Page last updated: September 10, 2024