Impactful Beginnings

Protecting Young Lungs Where Children Learn and Play

In Washington State, children from birth to age five are hospitalized for asthma at twice the rate of children ages five to fourteen. Young children are especially vulnerable because their lungs are still developing and are less able to protect themselves from viruses, bacteria, and air pollution.

That is why this project focuses on where young children spend much of their time: daycares and preschools.

Why This Matters in Pierce County

Nearly 40 percent of Pierce County is covered by concrete, and in some neighborhoods, more than half of the land is paved. While parks exist, many areas lack meaningful green space and experience higher levels of air pollution.

Some of these neighborhoods are officially designated by Washington State as air-pollution red zones. These are communities that face disproportionately high environmental and health burdens.

Children growing up, learning, and playing in these areas experience higher rates of asthma, greater exposure to harmful air pollutants, and increased risk of permanent, lifelong lung damage.

This project is designed to prevent asthma before it starts and protect developing lungs during the most critical years of life.

A Community-Driven Approach

The Puget Sound Asthma Coalition, Air Matters, and 12 partner organizations are working together to reduce early childhood exposure to air pollution by building knowledge, skills, and local leadership.

We focus on two key strategies:

Strengthening Community Health Workers who already support families and childcare centers
Empowering parents, childcare providers, and health professionals with practical tools to improve indoor air quality

Reaching Beyond One Community

This project includes the Puyallup Tribe’s Grandview Early Learning Center, located in an adjacent air-pollution red zone. Project materials will also be shared with all Washington State red-zone communities.

The program is designed to be adaptable and can support other vulnerable groups and settings, including K–12 schools, adult family homes, communities near major transportation corridors, wood-smoke-impacted areas, and Tribal nations.

Our Goal

Every child deserves clean air to breathe, especially during the earliest years of life. By working alongside families, childcare providers, health professionals, and community leaders, this project aims to protect young lungs today and support healthier futures for generations to come.

From Awareness to Action: Clean Air Starts in Early Learning

What We Are Doing

Training Community Health Workers

We are developing an air quality and healthy homes curriculum for Community Health Workers who serve families with young children. Trainings will be offered in English, Spanish, and additional languages as needed.

Community Health Workers will lead workshops for parents and caregivers of infants and young children, as well as childcare center owners, directors, teachers, and staff. Each workshop includes guidance on creating a Healthy Indoor Air Action Plan tailored to homes and childcare settings.

Reaching Families Where They Are

Printed materials in multiple languages will be distributed through childcare centers, community resource centers, libraries, local laundromats, and health clinics where allowed. These materials provide clear, practical steps families can take to reduce indoor air pollution and protect children’s health.

Supporting Health Care Providers

In partnership with Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, we will offer air pollution and respiratory health training for pediatricians and respiratory therapists who care for local children. This ensures families receive consistent, evidence-based guidance across health care settings.

Informing Local Decision-Makers

Educational resources will be created for local leaders and decision-makers whose choices influence land use, neighborhood design, and environmental health.