Sources of PM2.5

The primary sources of PM2.5 are typically wildfire smoke during warmer months and smoke from home heating during colder months, though this varies by location. Other sources include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and prescribed burning.

Children's Health & Increased Risk

Children and youth are more sensitive to health effects from breathing in PM2.5 because they breathe in more air than adults for their body weight. This increases their total dose of air pollution. The respiratory system also develops until about age 21.

Children and youth with health conditions (including asthma and other lung diseases, heart disease, and diabetes) have a higher risk of emergency department visits and hospitalizations compared to children without health conditions.

Children and youth may also be at risk for declines in academic performance, neurodevelopmental problems, and chronic conditions in adulthood. Children with asthma should follow their Asthma Action Plan.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PM2.5 exposure include burning eyes, coughing, throat and nose irritation, fatigue, headache, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Monitor symptoms. If symptoms become serious, seek medical attention. Symptoms can continue or appear in the week following exposure to PM2.5.

Physical Activity

CDC recommends children and youth 6-17 years old exercise an hour or more every day as an important part of health. WAC 110-300- 0360(2)(c) requires minimum outdoor activity/active play in child care programs with an exception for extreme weather.

Safe outdoor play when PM2.5 levels are high, especially for days or weeks, requires precautions. People breathe deeper and take more air into their lungs when exercising, thus taking in more air pollution. Children and youth’s breathing rates increase over 2 times during light intensity physical activity, over 4 times during moderate intensity activity, and over 8 times during high intensity activity compared to being at rest. Intensity level is related to the exertion and varies individually, but as examples:

• Light Intensity Activities: playing board games, playing catch, and stacking blocks
• Moderate Intensity Activities: climbing on playground, dodgeball, four-square, golf, gymnastics, hopscotch, lightly riding a tricycle/bicycle, marching band, moderate or brisk walking, shooting basketballs, softball/baseball, table tennis, volleyball, weight training, and yoga
• Vigorous Intensity Activities: aerobic dance, basketball, cheer, competitive swimming, football, jogging, jumping jacks, jump rope, karate, race walking, running, soccer, swimming, tennis, and vigorous bicycling

For a more detailed list see CDC’s guidance, “General Physical Activities Defined by Level of Intensity.”

Reducing Exposures

As PM2.5 pollution increases, each action is increasingly important to protect health: limit duration and intensity of outside physical activity (e.g., increase rest periods), stay indoors when possible and keep indoor air clean. Consider a child’s total exposure throughout the day and night, including time spent at school, home, and in transit. Walking, biking, or riding in a bus with windows opened is time outdoors. Some children may not have cleaner air at home.

Masks & Respirators

A NIOSH approved N95 or other particulate respirator can be an option when you have no other way to avoid wildfire smoke. NIOSH approved respirators do not come in suitable sizes for very young children and have not been tested for broad use in children. Effective use requires proper selection, size and fit. See Western States PEHSU guidance on respirator use by children. More NIOSH information here.

Air Quality Monitoring & Low-Cost Sensors

Outdoor Air Monitoring

Use air pollution forecasts and government agency monitors on AirNow.gov for non-wildfire smoke pollution. Use the Washington Smoke Blog for wildfire smoke. The Smoke Blog includes low-cost sensors and has the most relevant forecasts for Washington wildfire smoke. See Appendix A in the Washington Children and Youth Activities Guide for Air Quality.

Indoor Air Monitoring

Indoor low-cost sensors can be used for indoor activities. Do not compare uncorrected sensor data to the AQI. Compare sensor data in locations throughout the facility and indoors vs outdoors. See Appendix B in the Washington Children and Youth Activities Guide for Air Quality.

Indoor Air Quality

During high levels of PM2.5 or extended durations of poor air quality, taking steps to improve indoor air quality is extra important because PM2.5 will seep into buildings. If you’re not sure whether indoor PM2.5 levels are lower than outside, assume levels are similar and increase steps to reduce exposure.

Indoor air filtration (HVAC systems with enhanced filtration or HEPA portable air cleaners) can reduce indoor levels of PM2.5. Do not use air cleaners that produce ozone or have additive technology, such as ionization and plasma. See Appendix C in the Washington Children and Youth Activities Guide for Air Quality.

Adult Staff & Volunteers

Adult staff and volunteers can be impacted by air pollution, see WA Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution. For policies on outdoor workers during wildfire smoke, see WA L&I’s Wildfire Smoke Workplace Safety & Health webpage.

School Closures

Consider school and facility closures if you cannot maintain indoor PM2.5 below 150.5 µg/m3 (AQI value of 201). See Summary Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Closing Schools, which includes factors to consider.

Resources

Websites:

• WA DOH’s Air Quality and Health
• Smoke from Fires and Health
• EPA’s Air Quality Flag Program.

For technical assistance

• Email [email protected].

When air quality is moderate to unhealthy, the school HVAC system is adjusted to bring in more filtered air, and windows and doors may be closed or opened to further reduce the amount of outside air entering the building. Additionally, our custodial staff routinely inspects air filter systems and replaces them as necessary to ensure air quality is maintained. Furthermore, we are in contact with local health departments and other agencies to stay abreast of any changes in air quality and will adjust our air quality measures accordingly.

Yes, parents have the right to make decisions regarding the health and well-being of their student. If you feel that keeping a student home due to air quality is in their best interests, their absence will be excused.