Outdoor Air Quality Guidelines
At Saigon South international School we make every effort to ensure we provide a safe environment for our children to learn in and for our staff to work in. The quality of the air our students and staff breathe is very important to us. The procedures listed below are intended to help provide guidance for knowing when students and staff can be outside
Rationale
Scientific evidence suggests that the biggest threat to health comes from particle pollution. Particle pollution, especially fine particles such as those found in smoke, haze or dust, contains microscopic solid or liquid droplets that can embed deep into the lungs causing serious health problems to the respiratory and circulatory systems. Children and teenagers are more susceptible to complications because their lungs are still developing and the volume of air inhaled per kilolitre is greater than that of an adult.
Standard
The Air Quality Index (AQI) was designed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is used to determine how clean or unhealthy the air is. SSIS uses the US AQI index standard to monitor air quality
The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or unhealthy the air is. The AQI is calculated for four major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. For each of these pollutants, EPA has established national air quality standards to protect public health. EPA is currently reviewing the national air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide
SSIS AQI Monitoring Procedure
SSIS monitors air quality throughout the day using IQAir AQI monitors located in common areas around the school. We use the US Consulate AQI information as a comparative reading
The AQI Index measurements are displayed on the SSIS link
SSIS Outdoor Activity Restrictions Based on AQI References:
The chart below outlines the actions SSIS will take based on the AQI readings. Responses take many factors into consideration when determining the appropriate action to be taken.
The AQI index will be checked twice during the school day. Outdoor activities may be restricted if AQI index levels are high. The level of physical activity, age of student and level of pollutants are taken into consideration when making restrictions.
The AQI index is checked in the afternoon for after school activities and athletics. Under the direction of the athletic director, advisors and coaches will advised on the need for modifications or cancelation. Parents will be notified in the event of a cancelation
Please note some people may be more sensitive to the health effects of air pollution. These sensitive groups include children with asthma or respiratory illnesses and people with heart or lung disease. If parents of these children have concerns, they should speak with their child’s Principal
|
US EPA Pollution Index |
Air Pollution Category |
Health Implications |
SSIS Response |
|
0-50 |
Excellent |
No health implications |
|
|
51-100 |
Good |
Some pollutants may slightly affect very few hypersensitive individuals |
|
|
101-149 |
Lightly Polluted |
Healthy people may experience slight irritations and sensitive individuals will be slightly affected to a larger extent |
Administrative Alert - Consider additional breaks during intense activity |
|
150-200 |
Moderately Polluted |
Sensitive individuals will experience more serious conditions. The hearts and respiratory systems of healthy people may be affected |
Administrative Review - Outdoor activities are limited or modified to reduce the intensity |
|
200+ |
Heavily Polluted |
Healthy people will commonly show symptoms. People with respiratory or heart diseases will be significantly affected and will experience reduced endurance in activities |
Administrative Review - At or above 250, outdoor activities are moved indoors or canceled. Tournaments are modified. |
Should you have additional questions regarding our air quality guidelines, please contact aqi@ssis.edu.vn
References
US Environmental Protection Agency. (https://airnow.gov/)