Indoor air pollution can pose a dangerous health hazard for the more than 14 million people in the United States with asthma as well as the millions who suffer from allergies. Controlling the home environment is a very important part of asthma and allergy care. Secondhand smoke is harmful to everyone including young children, pregnant women, and people with heart disease as well as people who suffer from asthma or allergies. Ask friends and family members to smoke outdoors or help them quit with the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking program. Eliminate dust mites.
Dust mites are tiny, microscopic animals that are found in house dust.
To control dust mites, put bedding in allergen-impermeable covers, wash bedding weekly in hot water, remove bedroom carpeting, and clean up surface dust as often as possible. Put away the pets. Almost all mammals can cause allergies, including dogs, cats, and even small animals such as guinea pigs and birds. All pets should be removed from the home if they trigger asthma or allergy symptoms. If you must keep pets, give weekly pet baths and keep animals out of the bedroom of anyone with asthma or allergies.