Oral

The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 6.5 million (8.9%) children had asthma in the United States in 2005. In this session, speakers will describe research characterizing asthma risks and programs designed to reduce asthma risk factors and triggers in schools and the communities they serve. Children are exposed to many risk factors while at school including respiratory irritants, respiratory sensitizers and asthmagens in indoor air from institutional cleaning products, mold, pests, and leaks. In addition there is accumulating evidence that emissions from idling cars and buses and traffic are associated with asthma incidence and other health effects in children. Strategies have been designed and implemented including purchasing specifications for school districts, school zone designation, environmental health training for schools, and multi-channel outreach to school neighborhoods. Finally, a model that involves school nurses in efforts to improve asthma tracking, prevention and intervention especially in urban school districts will be described.

Session Objectives: 1. Name common asthma triggers in indoor and ambient air in urban settings. 2. Describe innovative programs that educate school and community members about ways to protect children from environmental health threats. 3. Describe school and community policies to reduce asthma risk factors. 4. Identify the role of school nurses in facilitating: (a) asthma tracking; (b) effective communication among school nurses, parents and providers; and (c) school-based environmental intervention.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing