Useful Information
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a disease that causes the airways to become smaller and blocks free-flowing air into the lungs. Asthma is life-threatening if it is left untreated and ignored. It is the leading cause of hospital stays for young children in Alameda County. It causes missed days of school, play time, work for parents, and sleepless nights.
A person with asthma can have the following symptoms: coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest. During an asthma attack, the muscles in the lungs tighten, the airways become swollen, there is too much mucus production in the lungs, and the airways become narrow.
There is NO CURE for asthma, but it can be controlled with medications and by reducing exposure to environmental factors (i.e. secondhand smoke, pets, dust, mold, pollen, etc.) that may trigger the symptoms.
“Asthma is a serious health concern in the United States. It is common, deadly, disruptive, and expensive." (Centers for Disease Control, 2012)
Mold and Moisture
According to the National Institute of Health, more than 6 million children in the United States have asthma. Genes and the home environment are known to play a role. Asthma is often associated with allergies as well as molds spread by releasing tiny spores into the air, which can cause allergic reactions. Childhood asthma has been linked to indoor mold growing in a child's home as a result of moisture problems such as water leaks. The following brochures on Mold and Moisture provide information on prevention, elimination, cost, healthy housing, landlord advocacy, sign and symptoms, and resources.
Mold Brochure (Landlord and Owners)