Breathing Room: Empowering Families and Schools to Safeguard Children from Indoor Asthma Triggers

Air pollution—both outdoor and indoor—remains the leading environmental health threat in Europe, with asthma standing as the second most common cause of preventable respiratory deaths and overall disease burden. Numerous studies have demonstrated a clear link between air pollution and both the onset and exacerbation of asthma, with children identified as one of the most vulnerable groups. Their smaller, developing lungs and other vital organs make them particularly susceptible to irritants and pollutants commonly found indoors. Moreover, children spend a significant proportion of their time inside high-occupancy environments such as schools where air pollution levels can be two to three times higher than outdoors. This risk is compounded by poor-quality housing, which is often characterised by inadequate ventilation, overcrowding, and the presence of mould – conditions disproportionately affecting children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Although the global prevalence of paediatric asthma has gradually declined since 1990 and is projected to continue decreasing towards 2050, preventive measures focusing on indoor air quality remain critical for protecting children’s health. Evidence shows that reducing indoor pollutants in schools and homes leads to fewer asthma symptoms, attacks, and hospitalisations. Furthermore, studies have highlighted that parental education following a child’s hospitalisation significantly improves asthma control and quality of life. Empowering parents, teachers, and caregivers with knowledge about environmental triggers – especially air quality – can play a decisive role in preventing new asthma cases and managing existing ones.

Against this backdrop, the INQUIRE and EDIAQI projects, both members of the IDEAL Cluster, are hosting the next session of the Mini-Medical Series, part of the EDIAQI Webinar Series, to explore:

• Why ensuring healthy indoor environments free from air pollutants is essential for the effective care and prevention of asthma in children.
• What actions parents, guardians, and caregivers can take to create and maintain healthy indoor spaces that reduce the risk or exacerbation of asthma symptoms.
• How parents, teachers, and children themselves can be empowered to take an active role in monitoring and improving the quality of the indoor environments they inhabit.