Air Quality and Outdoor Activity Guidance for Schools

Regular physical activity — at least 60 minutes each day — promotes health and fitness. The table below shows when and how to 

modify outdoor physical activity based on the Air Quality Index. This guidance can help protect the health of all children, including 

teenagers, who are more sensitive than adults to air pollution. Check the air quality daily at www.airnow.gov.

Air Quality Index Outdoor Activity Guidance

Great day to be active outside!

 GOOD

Good day to be active outside!

Students who are unusually sensitive to air pollution could have symptoms, so watch for 

coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easier. MODERATE

It’s OK for students to be active outside, especially for short activities such as recess and 

physical education (PE) class. For longer activities such as athletic practice, students 

should take more breaks and do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms such as 

coughing or shortness of breath.

Students with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep their quick relief 

medicine handy.

 UNHEALTHY FOR

 SENSITIVE GROUPS

For all outdoor activities, students should take more breaks and do less intense activities. 

Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. Consider moving activities 

indoors or rescheduling. 

Students with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep their quick relief 

medicine handy.

 UNHEALTHY

Move all activities indoors or reschedule to another day.

 VERY UNHEALTHY

Go for 60!

CDC recommends that children 

get 60 or more minutes of 

physical activity each day.

www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/

physicalactivity/guidelines.htm 

Watch for Symptoms

Air pollution can make asthma symptoms 

worse and trigger attacks. Symptoms of 

asthma include coughing, shortness of 

breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. 

Even students who do not have asthma 

could experience these symptoms when 

exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution.

Plan Ahead for Ozone

There is less ozone in the 

morning. On days when ozone 

is expected to be at unhealthy 

levels, plan outdoor activities in 

the morning.
How long can students stay outside when the air quality is unhealthy?

There is no exact amount of time. 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 unhealthy air. 

Why should students take breaks and do less intense activities when air quality is unhealthy?

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: 

a reduce the amount of time students are breathing hard (e.g., take breaks; rotate players frequently) 

a 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? 

Ozone pollution is often worse on hot sunny days, especially during the afternoon and early evening. Plan outdoor 

activities in the morning, when air quality is better and it is not as hot. 

Particle pollution can be high any time of day. Since vehicle exhaust contains particle pollution, limit 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. 

How can I find out the daily air quality?

Go to www.airnow.gov. Many cities have an Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast that tells you what the local air quality will 

be later today or tomorrow, and a current AQI that tells you what the local air quality is now. The AirNow website also 

tells you whether the pollutant of concern is ozone or particle pollution. Sign up for emails, download the free AirNow 

app, or install the free AirNow widget on your website. You can also find out how to participate (and register your 

school) in the School Flag Program (www.airnow.gov/schoolflag).

If students stay inside because of unhealthy outdoor air quality, can they still be active?

It depends on which pollutant is causing the problem:

Ozone pollution: If windows are closed, the amount of ozone should be much lower indoors, so it is OK to keep 

students moving.

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. It is important that 

the particle filtration system is installed properly and well maintained. 

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 PE teachers to identify additional indoor activities.

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. See www.

cdc.gov/asthma/actionplan.html for a link to sample asthma action plans. When asthma is well managed and well 

controlled, students should be able to participate fully in all activities. For a booklet on “Asthma and Physical Activity in 

the School,” see http://bit.ly/activewithasthma.

School Flag

PROGRAM

EPA-456/F-13-002

March 2013

Questions and Answers