Childhood asthma still problem for IN kids

The entire state of Indiana is now in compliance with federal air quality standards when it comes to ground-level ozone, but child asthma rates in the state are on the rise.

A new report from the state Department of Health details the environmental health status for Hoosier children.  Asthma is now the third-leading cause of hospitalization for children through the age of 17. 

While Indiana’s outdoor air quality has improved, Department of Health spokesperson Amy Reel says that hasn’t helped make a dent in the state’s child asthma rates.

“Part of that is due to, that children spend an estimated 80 to 90 percent of their time indoors: in home, in school or in child care settings.”

Reel says that’s why the state is shining a spotlight on the importance of clean indoor air, cautioning parents against the dangers of airborne pollutants. 

“An estimated 420 thousand children are still exposed to second-hand smoke at home.”

She says other dangers include mold and carbon monoxide.

You can see the Sunny Start: Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds report HERE.