New School Year, New Risks: How to Protect Kids from Lung Health Threats

As students across the country prepare to return to school for the 2025-2026 academic year, the American Lung Association is encouraging families, school staff and communities to take proactive steps to protect children and youth from common lung health threats. With over six million children in the U.S. living with asthma—and many more exposed to poor indoor air quality, respiratory illnesses and tobacco use—being prepared can make all the difference.

“A new school year brings new routines, environments and exposures that can all impact a child’s ability to breathe easily and stay healthy,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “We want every child to start the year strong, which is why we’re providing tools and resources to help families and schools recognize risks and take action early. Being proactive about lung health helps students show up ready to learn and thrive. Whether you’re a parent, school nurse, educator or administrator, now is the time to put a plan in place to protect kids’ lungs.”

Be Prepared: Key Lung Health Threats and What You Can Do

1. Know What’s in the Air
Poor indoor air quality in classrooms and school buildings can reduce concentration and learning, trigger asthma, spread respiratory viruses, and cause symptoms like fatigue, coughing and headaches. The Lung Association’s Clean Air School Challenge empowers schools to assess their indoor air and make improvements. Learn more at Lung.org/casc.

2. Understand and Manage Asthma
Asthma is a leading cause of school absenteeism. A new school year can mean new asthma triggers and routines that affect access to medication. To help children and young adults stay in control, the Lung Association offers:

• Asthma Super Stars, a fun, educational online story book for young kids;
• A Readiness to Self-Carry course for School Health Professionals that helps determine if older students are ready to manage their own inhalers; and
• Breathe Well, Live Well® Plus, an asthma management program for all adults, as well as young adults heading off to college or parents of children with asthma.

3. Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations
Respiratory infections like flu and whooping cough can hit hard, especially for those with asthma. Preparing for the school year includes making sure all vaccinations are current to protect against common illnesses that affect the lungs. Learn more about why vaccines are so important for lung health.

4. Talk About Tobacco and Vaping Before School Starts
New friends can lead to peer pressure to smoke, vape or use other nicotine products. The Lung Association offers prevention and cessation programs for youth, intervention strategies for schools, and our “You’re the Best Person” campaign and Talking to Your Child About Vaping Training to help parents have important conversations with their kids about vaping.

Tools and Resources for Schools
Through its Creating Lung-Friendly Environments for Youth initiative, the Lung Association offers free resources and sample policies schools can adopt to create healthier environments for all students. These tools address air quality, chronic lung disease management and tobacco-free policies.

Take Action to Protect Lung Health! The Lung Association is also calling on everyone to advocate by raising their voice to protect funding for asthma control programs. Take action at Lung.org/savethenacp.

For more back-to-school lung health tips and resources, visit Lung.org.