FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) FOR STUDENTS
What we should do in school when air quality is bad (Poor /Very poor /Severe)?
The worse the air quality, the more important it is to take breaks, do less intense activities, and watch for symptoms. Remember that students with asthma will be more sensitive to bad air.
Why should students take breaks and do less intense activities when air quality is Poor or Very poor or Severe?
Students breathe harder when they are active for a longer period of time or when they do more intense activities. More pollution enters the lungs when a person is breathing harder. It helps to:
- Reduce the amount of time students are breathing hard (e.g., take breaks; rotate players frequently)
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Reduce the intensity of activities so students are not breathing so hard (e.g., walk instead of run)
Are there times when air pollution is expected to be worse?
PM2.5 /PM10 can be high any time of day but it is often worse during early morning and after sunset time. Since vehicle exhaust contains particle pollution, avoid doing activity near idling cars and buses and near busy roads, especially during rush hours. Also, limit outdoor activity when there is smoke in the air. Plan outdoor activities afternoon and early evening which should be fine in winter when pollution is generally high.
How can I find out the daily air quality and health advisory?
Go to safar.tropmet.res.in. If you are in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad then you have advantage to see an Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast that tells you what the local air quality is now and what it will be tomorrow or even after 3 days. The SAFAR website also tells you whether the pollutant of concern is PM2.5 or PM10 or some other one. Sign up for alerts, download the free “SAFAR-Air” Mobile app. Students in Ahmedabad can also find out how to participate (and register your school) in the Flag Program (safar.tropmet.res.in/sahas)
If students stay inside because of unhealthy outdoor air quality, can they still be active?
It depends on which pollutant is causing the problem:
Particle pollution: If the building has a forced air heating or cooling system that filters out particles then the amount of particle pollution should be lower indoors, and it is OK to keep students moving. If it is not the case then depending on AQI colors, balance your activity level.
Ozone pollution: If windows are closed, the amount of ozone should be much lower indoors, so it is OK to keep students moving.
What physical activities can students do inside?
Encourage indoor activities that keep all students moving. Plan activities that include aerobic exercise as well as muscle and bone strengthening components (e.g., jumping, skipping, sit-ups, pushups). If a gymnasium or open space is accessible, promote activities that use equipment, such as cones, hula hoops, and sports balls. If restricted to the classroom, encourage students to come up with fun ways to get everyone moving (e.g., act out action words from a story). Teachers and recess supervisors can work with PT teachers to identify additional indoor activities.
Can I check the AQI every day and do science project?
To find out if today will be a bad air quality day. But do you ever wonder if the number of bad air days is going up? -- going down? -- staying the same? Ask your science teacher and do the project to this effect using SAFAR AQI data and get good score.
What is an asthma action plan?
An asthma action plan is a written plan developed with a student’s doctor for daily management of asthma. It includes medication plans, control of triggers, and how to recognize and manage worsening asthma symptoms. When asthma is well managed and well controlled, students should be able to participate fully in all activities. If your child has asthma, all of the people who care for him or her should know about the child's asthma action plan. These caregivers include babysitters and workers at daycare centers, schools, and camps. These caretakers can help your child follow his or her action plan.
The asthma action plan shows your daily treatment, such as what kind of medicines to take and when to take them. Your plan describes how to control asthma long term and how to handle worsening asthma, or attacks. The plan explains when to call doctor or go to the emergency room.