Habitat for Humanity, US TV personality and carpenter Carter Oosterhouse, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America join Merck to launch Build Smart, Breathe Easier
New Jersey, USA - Tuesday 24th May 2011
Habitat for Humanity has become part of Build Smart, Breathe Easier a national campaign in America, to help people with asthma by highlighting the importance of maintaining an “asthma-healthy home” and educating families about ways to help manage the disease.
As part of the campaign Habitat for Humanity has joined with global healthcare leader Merck, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and US TV personality and carpenter Carter Oosterhouse to build four houses with asthma-healthy features in partnership with low-income families affected by the disease.
They will also raise awareness about how a home may contain triggers that can cause asthma symptoms and may lead to flare-ups.
More than 24 million Americans currently have asthma. Every day, 11 people in the United States die from asthma and the disease accounts for one-quarter of all casualty visits each year. For many people with asthma, their home may be part of the problem.
Any house or apartment can contain a variety of asthma “triggers”, which can include allergens and irritants – such as dust mites, mould, pet dander and strong fumes or odours – that can negatively affect someone with asthma.
“A house built with materials that are easy to clean and less likely to contain irritants, such as hard-surface floors or non-toxic paint, may have a positive impact on a family, especially one dealing with asthma,” said Carter Oosterhouse.
With financial sponsorship from Merck, a global leader in the respiratory health community, the construction of the houses will begin this spring and summer, followed by house dedication ceremonies taking place throughout the year.
“There are several ways to minimise some of the most common asthma triggers in a home,” said Mike Tringale, vice president of AAFA. “Whether you are building a new house, outfitting a room or cleaning your apartment, Build Smart, Breathe Easier provides helpful tips that you may want to consider.”