National Respiratory Care Week

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Indoor Environments Division and the American Lung Association celebrate Healthy Lung Month and National Respiratory Care Week (October 20–26, 2019).

Indoor air pollutants, including those that trigger asthma attacks, can affect your lung health. Learn more about how to improve the quality of your indoor air and protect your lung health.

Test for and Fix Radon
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers and the second leading cause overall. It is a naturally occurring gas that can be found anywhere. You can’t see or smell radon. The only way to know how much radon may be present in your indoor air is to test for it. If a high level of radon is present in your home, school or business, it can be reduced with proven, cost-effective techniques.

Eliminate Exposure to Secondhand Smoke
Exposure to secondhand smoke can have serious consequences for your health, including increased risks of heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. You can reduce your exposure by implementing smoke-free policies in your home and car. Prohibiting smoking indoors is the only way to eliminate secondhand smoke from the indoor environment.

Reduce Exposure to Molds
Inhaling mold spores can trigger an asthma attack in people sensitive to molds. When you see mold in your home, make sure to clean the area and let it dry completely. Eliminate sources of moisture by fixing water leaks, keeping areas of your home dry and maintaining low humidity.