- About
About
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1953, is the leading patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, and the oldest asthma and allergy patient group in the world.
- Asthma
Asthma
Nearly 28 million people in the United States have asthma. The best way to manage asthma is to avoid triggers, take medications to prevent symptoms, and prepare to treat asthma episodes if they occur.
- Allergies
Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common chronic diseases. An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system sees a substance as harmful and overreacts to it. The substances that cause allergic reactions are allergens.
- Programs
Programs
AAFA offers a variety of educational programs, resources and tools for patients, caregivers, and health professionals. AAFA launches educational awareness campaigns throughout the year. We teach the general public about asthma and allergic diseases.
- Research and Reports
Research and Reports
Research is an important part of our pursuit of better health. Through research, we gain better understanding of illnesses and diseases, new medicines, ways to improve quality of life and cures. AAFA conducts and promotes research for asthma and allergic diseases.
- Advocacy
Advocacy
AAFA works to support public policies that will benefit people with asthma and allergies. Advocacy and public policy work are important for protecting the health and safety of those with asthma and allergies. We advocate for federal and state legislation as well as regulatory actions that will help you.
- Get Involved
Get Involved
There are several ways you can support AAFA in its mission to provide education and support to patients and families living with asthma and allergies. You can make a donation, fundraise for AAFA, take action in May for Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and join a community to get the help and support you need.
- News
News
AAFA can connect you to all of the information and resources you need to help you learn more about asthma and allergic diseases.
- Donate
- Get Support
- Join the Community
- Login
- Blog
- Media
Allergies
Healthier Home
Having good indoor air quality is an important part of having a healthy living space. People spend more than 90% of their time indoors, and your indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.
We offer a free Asthma-Friendly Home Checklist (Available inEnglish
andSpanish) that can help you identify and reduce triggers. You can go through this list with everyone in your home that has asthma and allergies.
If you are a renter, share this page or the printable checklist with your landlord.
Mouse over (or click if you’re on mobile) each area of the house for a helpful checklist to help you improve air quality and reduce asthma and allergy triggers in your home:
You can improve your indoor air quality by cutting down the sources of allergens and asthma irritants throughout your home:
- Improve air flow in your home – leave interior doors open, run exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Avoid harmful products (like bleach and other harsh cleaners) as much as possible.
- UseCertifiedAsthma & Allergy Friendly®products (bedding, vacuums, cleaning products, flooring, paint and more).
- Establish regular cleaning routines to removedust,pollen,animal dander andmold from your home.
- Measure your home’s humidity level and keep it below 50%. If you live in a wet climate, you may need adehumidifier.
- Keep windows closed during peak pollen times or during times of high outdoor pollution.
- Remove items with strong scents like candles. Replace traditional scented candles with battery-powered ones.
- If possible, remove carpets and replace with solid surface flooring.
- Maintain your HVAC (furnace and air conditioning) system and replace the air filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Use portable air cleaners (air purifiers) in rooms where you spend the most time (remember to look for the CertifiedAsthma & Allergy Friendly®).
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Using CertifiedAsthma & Allergy Friendly® products in your home can help you have a healthier indoor environment, as well as reduce allergens.
To learn more about theAsthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program, visit:aafa.org/certified
AAFA's Commitment to Racial Justice
Over the past 15 years, there have been moderate advances in U.S. public policy, health care and research, but racial gaps in asthma outcomes have not changed. Minority groups continue to bear disproportionate hardship in managing asthma.
