Asthma & Climate Action Toolkit

Thanks for stopping by.
You made it here because you care—about your health, your community, and the air we all breathe. This page is your hub for tools, tips, and actions you can take to protect yourself from asthma triggers made worse by climate change—and to push for the cleaner, healthier future our neighborhoods deserve. Let’s breathe easier, together.

Tools & Tips to Protect Your Lungs

1. Use an Air Purifier (with a HEPA filter)

Reduces indoor pollutants like dust, mold, and smoke.
Great for bedrooms and common areas.
Budget options: Levoit, Honeywell, or IKEA’s FÖRNUFTIG.

2. Track Air Quality in Real Time

Free apps:
- AirNow (EPA-backed) Apple Store Google Play Store
- Plume Labs’ Air Apple Store Google Play Store
- IQAir AirVisual Apple Store Google Play Store
Use it to plan safe outdoor activities and avoid high-risk days.

3. Use a Mask on Bad Air Days

N95 or KN95 masks filter out fine particles and pollutants.
Useful on smoggy days, while commuting, or during heatwaves.

4. Access help with inhalers

Easy Ways to Contact Your Local NYC Reps

1. Find Your Local NYC Council Member

Go to: https://council.nyc.gov/districts/
Enter your address to find your rep, contact info, and committee involvement.

2. Call or Email Your Rep

Many council members have direct phone lines and contact forms on their pages.
Pro tip: Ask for better air quality protections, building code improvements, or asthma-related health programs.

3. Attend a Community Board or Town Hall Meeting

These meetings are open to the public and often include discussion on health, housing, and environmental issues.
Find yours: https://www.nyc.gov/site/cau/community-boards/community-boards.page
Common Cause NY: Offers easy email and call templates for local advocacy campaigns.

The challenges are real—but so is our power.
By staying informed, protecting our health, and speaking up for change, we’re already making a difference. Every action—whether it’s using an air purifier, checking the air quality, or calling a city official—adds up. Together, we can build a future where everyone breathes easier. Keep going. We’ve got this.

For more tips—especially for students and families—visit the NYC DOE’s asthma resource page:
schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/staying-healthy/asthma