HOW does AIR QUALITY IMPACTS YOUR HEALTH?
Air Quality
& Health
Air Quality & Outdoor Activity Guidance for Schools
Regular physical activity is important for children and teens, but poor air quality can affect health. Use the Air Quality Index (AQI) to help decide when outdoor activities can continue as planned and when they should be modified, moved indoors, or rescheduled.
What Should We Do Today?
Find today’s AQI, then use the guidance below to plan outdoor activities.
Good
AQI 0-50
Good day to be active outside!
Moderate
AQI 51-100
Good day to be active outside!
Students who are unusually sensitive to air pollution could have symptoms.
Unhealthy For Sensitive Groups
AQI 101-150
Children, teens, and adults with health conditions, or their caregivers, should manage conditions medically.
- Watch for symptoms and worsening symptoms.
- Keep medications handy.
- Take action with a healthcare provider as needed.
Unhealthy
AQI 151-200
Everyone may begin to experience symptoms.
- Take more breaks.
- Do less intense activities.
- Consider moving longer or more intense activities indoors or rescheduling them.
- Watch for symptoms.
- Students with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medicine handy.
Very Unhealthy
AQI 201-300
Move all outdoor activities indoors or reschedule them to another day.
Watch for Symptoms
Air pollution can make asthma symptoms worse and trigger attacks. Students who do not have asthma can experience symptoms too.
Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
If symptoms occur: The student may need to take a break, do a less intense activity, stop activity, go indoors, or use quick-relief medicine as prescribed. If symptoms do not improve, get medical help.
Plan Outdoor Activities Around Air Quality
Plan Ahead for Ozone
Ozone pollution is often worse on hot, sunny days, especially during the afternoon and early evening. When ozone is expected to be unhealthy, consider planning outdoor activities in the morning.
Traffic & Particle Pollution
Particle pollution can be high at any time of day. Limit activity near idling cars and buses and near busy roads, especially during rush hours.
Smoke
Limit outdoor activity when there is smoke in the air.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What symptoms should I look for in students when the air quality is unhealthy?
Symptoms may include burning eyes, coughing, an itchy throat or nose, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness. Students who do not have asthma can also experience symptoms. Students with symptoms should take a break until symptoms resolve and then participate in a less intense activity.
Why should students take breaks and do less intense activities?
When students are active for longer periods or participate in more intense activities, they breathe harder and can inhale more pollution. Taking breaks and reducing activity intensity can reduce how much pollution enters the lungs.
Are there times when air pollution is expected to be worse?
Ozone can be worse on hot, sunny afternoons and early evenings. Particle pollution can be high at any time. Avoid activity near idling vehicles and busy roads when possible, and limit outdoor activity when smoke is present.
How long can students stay outside when air quality is unhealthy?
There is no exact amount of time. As air quality gets worse, it becomes more important to take breaks, reduce activity intensity, and watch for symptoms. Students with asthma may be more sensitive to unhealthy air.
Need a printable version?
Download our two-page Air Quality & Outdoor Activity Guidance for Schools to print, save, or share with teachers, coaches, nurses, administrators, and other school staff.
Healthy Air Network
Healthy Air Network
The Healthy Air Network is a collaboration of organizations and community members who work to improve air quality, increase climate resilience, and advocate for environmental justice in Massachusetts. Convened by the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts
