What is the number one source of indoor pollution that can affect asthma patients?

The number one source of indoor pollution that can affect asthma patients is smoking. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), often referred to as secondhand smoke, contains thousands of harmful chemicals and can significantly exacerbate asthma symptoms. Exposure to smoking not only triggers asthma attacks but can also lead to chronic respiratory issues, making it critical for asthmatics to minimize exposure to this pollutant.

In homes where smoking occurs, the air quality can deteriorate, and the irritants can linger on surfaces, creating a persistent hazard for asthma patients. Other factors, such as dust mites and cooking fumes, also contribute to indoor air pollution, but they do not have the same level of widespread and harmful impact on respiratory health as smoking does. While pollen can be a significant allergen for outdoor asthma triggers, it is not associated with indoor air quality in the same way smoking is. Therefore, the prominent role of smoking in exacerbating asthma makes it the foremost indoor pollutant of concern.