UNIVERSITY PARK, PA, May 13, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Asthma rates are rising dramatically all over the world, particularly in urban areas. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that can't be cured, but can be controlled with the right medications and by avoiding "triggers"- certain substances that are either allergens or irritants that can cause an asthma attack. Recent research from the Boston University School of Medicine has discovered that allergies to cockroaches are the number one asthma trigger for children living in urban areas.
The Philadelphia School and Community IPM Partnership (PSCIP) is working to educate about how to reduce allergies and asthma triggers in homes, schools and childcare centers by promoting less-risky methods of controlling indoor pests. "Environmental factors that can trigger asthma and asthma symptoms include pests, such as cockroaches and mice, pest by-products such as cast skins, feces and urine, as well as some of the pesticides often used to get rid of pests," says Michelle Niedermeier of PSCIP. "Indoor air quality has a big effect on asthma sufferers, especially children who spend most of their time indoors at home, school, and in childcare facilities. One component of indoor air quality includes the levels of pests and pesticide use inside buildings."
An integrated pest management (IPM) approach to pest control can effectively reduce pest populations while simultaneously reducing pesticide exposure in indoor environments. IPM is a safe, effective, and scientific approach to managing pests. IPM uses knowledge of pests' habits and needs to help residents implement pest prevention tactics as a first line of defense. Only pesticide products that pose the least-toxic, least risk of exposure to residents are chosen. Information about proper use, storage and disposal of pesticide products is also critical to avoid personal and environmental contamination.
While asthma can be controlled, multiple approaches are needed to limit exposure to allergens and other substances that can worsen asthma. "Research shows that single steps are rarely sufficient," Niedermeier explains. "By using preventative practices and systematic monitoring of buildings and surrounding grounds, IPM can stop a pest infestation before it gets out of hand."
Some tips to keep pests at bay in your home and limit the use of pesticides are:
• Keep living areas clean and uncluttered.
• Keep yards and vacant lots maintained by mowing and regular trash pickup.
• Repair holes and cracks in walls, windows, and screens.
• Seal routes of pest entry in and around windows, pipes and gaps in walls by using caulking, copper mesh, or other pest-proof materials.
• Share information with neighbors - pests do not stay in one place.
• If you decide to use a pesticide, read the label first. Choose the least-toxic product (one that says "Caution", NOT "Danger" or "Warning") that will target the pest of concern.
• Avoid home sprays and foggers - fine aerosol mists can easily be breathed and also coat indoor surfaces with pesticides.
• Use powders and contained baits according to label directions.
• Find a reputable and licensed pest control specialist, and ask for IPM services.
About Pennsylvania IPM Program
Seven years ago, the Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management Program (PA IPM) at Penn State began looking for community-based solutions to manage pests effectively and safely in indoor environments and formed the Philadelphia School and Community IPM Partnership (PSCIP). PSCIP members include community groups, schools and child development centers, tenant groups, environmental groups, health professionals, pest control professionals, university staff and city and state agencies. For more information on pests and pesticides and their effects on public health, visit the PA IPM Program's Web site at http://paipm.org/ and click on 'Public Health'. For more information on PSCIP, including meeting minutes, partners in the initiative, and current and future activities, visit Web site http://www.pscip.org/. Or, contact Michelle Niedermeier, PSCIP coordinator, at the Philadelphia IPM office, (215) 471-2200, ext. 109, or e-mail pscip@psu.edu.
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