Recommendations for Schools and Others on Poor Air Quality Days* Air

to canceling event.<br><br> Recommendations for Schools and Others on Poor Air Quality Days* Air Quality Index (AQI) Chart for Ozone (8-hr standard) For Air Quality Forecasts and Current Information, visit www.SpareTheAir.com PUBLIC HEALTH This chart is intended to be used as a guide to modify outdoor activities on poor air quality days, specifically days when grou nd-level ozone reaches unhealthy levels. While this chart is designed around school-specific activities (recess, lunch, physical education) it can be used for anyone participating in outdo or activities. The health benefits of exercise are well documented.<br><br> It is important to exercise regularly. The intent of this chart is to hel p children continue to exercise while protecting their health when air quality is poor. Even when air quality is very poor, exercise can be continued indoors.<br><br> This chart addresses ozone pollution only 3 other air quality events could occur, including wildfires. In these cases, please c ontact your local Air Quality Management District. Ground-level Ozone (O3) is an invisible pollutant formed by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) when they react with the ultraviolet rays from the sun.<br><br> The primary source of VOCs and NOx is mobile sources, including cars, trucks, buses, construction and agricultural equipment. Ozone is a strong irritant that can cause constriction of the airways, forcing the respiratory system to work harder in order to provide oxygen. It can also cause other health problems such as aggravated respiratory disease, damage to the deep portions of the lungs, wheezing, dry throat, headache, nausea, increased fatigue, weakened athletic performance and more.<br><br> Long term exposure to polluted air can have permanent health effects including decreased lung function, development of diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, and a shortened life span. Gr ound-level ozone reaches its highest level during the afternoon and early evening hours. How to Use This Chart This chart should be used to modify plans for outdoor activities.<br><br> It can be used in conjunction with air quality forecasts, wh ich are very accurate, and current ozone conditions. Daily forecasts are updated by noon and Ozone Movies are updated every hour. Both can be viewed at www.SpareTheAir.com.<br><br> Here 9s an example of how the chart might be used to determine changes to be made for a Friday afternoon Physical Education prog ram: Step 1: On Thursday afternoon, check the forecast for Friday at www.SpareTheAir.com. While you 9re there, sign up for Air Alert, to be notified by e-mail about Spare the Air Days. The Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast is also available by calling the air quality information line at (916) 874-4801.<br><br> Step 2: If you see that the forecast for Friday is Orange, or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, make arrangements to have indoor space available for children with asthma and other respiratory problems. Step 3: On Friday prior to class, check the current AQI. Since ozone can vary from one area to another, look at the Ozone Movi es or pictures for a representation of ozone levels in your specific area.<br><br> If the AQI in your area has moved to Moderate, no action needs to be taken. However, if the AQI has mov ed to Unhealthy, note that even children without respiratory problems may complain of breathing difficulties and they should play indoors as well. Please note: before canceling a scheduled event, call your local air district for up to date information for your specific loca tion.<br><br> Listed below are more resources. Use them if you need more information regarding the health impacts of ozone (and other) pollu tion, current AQI conditions and forecasts, and ideas on how you can help reduce pollution levels. * These recommendations assume that most of a child 9s outdoor exposure occurs while at school or going to and from school.<br><br> Som e children engage in after-school activities (work and/or play) that can increase their daily exposures beyond four hours and should follow the guidance and advice offered by U.S. EPA in their cautionary health statements for ozone exposures. These recommendations apply only to ozone exposures and may require modification when exposed to significant levels of multiple pollutants that affect the respiratory system, including particles from wildfires sho uld they occur.<br><br> ** Cited from California 9s State Implementation Plan, Ch. 21 cAir Pollution Emergency Plan d p. 12 (1990).<br><br> This health advisory is issued when ozone reaches or is predicted to reach 0.15 ppm (parts per million) for one hour or more. This level of ozone is equivalent to an 8-hr AQI of 211. Some air districts issue this health advice when the 8-hr ozone AQI r eaches 200, or the 1-hr ozone level reaches 134.<br><br> The 8-hr air quality standard is protective of 4 to 8 hours of outdoor activities. American Lung Association of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails (916) 444-5900 www.saclung.org Air Quality Information Line (916) 874-4801 www.SpareTheAir.com Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (916) 874-4800 www.AirQuality.org Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District (530) 757-3650 www.ysaqmd.org Placer County Air Pollution Control District (530) 889-7130 www.placer.ca.gov/airpollution/airpolut.htm El Dorado County Air Quality Management District (530) 621-6662 www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/emd/apcd/index.html Bay Area Air Quality Management District (415)771-4900 www.baaqmd.gov

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