Our School
Our School
Air Quality
Norwich International School
Live Status of School Air Quality
Norwich International School
Primary Years Building
Early Years Building
At Norwich the care and welfare of all students and staff is our highest priority. This procedure has been developed to provide clear action points when the local air quality goes above acceptable levels.
Research indicates that exposure to air pollution can impact health. Studies on long-term health effects typically focus on individuals who are exposed to unhealthy air for an extended period, often many years. However, evidence also indicates that short-term exposure can create health concerns, particularly for children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Young children are at increased risk of these health effects because they tend to be more physically active, their lungs are still growing and they are more likely to have asthma or acute respiratory illnesses which can be aggravated when pollution levels are high.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) was designed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is used to determine air quality. The EPA developed a series of levels (see below) to help the public better understand the impact of air pollution and determine when air pollution reaches unhealthy levels. At Norwich we are aligning our practices with other international schools in Bangkok, South East Asia and China, based on information from the EPA and World Health Organisation.
Air quality guidelines for outdoor activities & sports
AQI Up to 100 (PM2.5 below 26 micrograms/m3)
Air quality in this range is considered to be good to moderate and no action is necessary.
AQI 101 to 150 (PM2.5 between 26 and 39.9 micrograms/m3)
Air quality in this range is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. The general public is not likely to be affected. Activities will continue as planned. Those that fall into the “sensitive groups” category will be monitored by teachers and staff. Our Nurse will observe visitors to the sick bay and report any respiratory issues to the Head of Early Years, Head of Primary and Head of Secondary as appropriate.
AQI 151 to 200 (PM2.5 between 40 and 106.9 micrograms/m3)
Air quality in this range is considered unhealthy for the general public. Therefore, strenuous activity should be reduced. At this level outdoor activities may be modified to low intensity and/or shorter time periods. Inter-school fixtures or competitions may see modifications or cancellation.
Specifically - Early Years building: On arrival to the Softplay area. Indoor play during the day - which includes PE inside and no Swimming / Water Play.
Specifically – Main building: On arrival (Year 1 and 2) to Homerooms. All lessons should remain inside, Indoor play during the day - which includes PE inside and no Swimming.
Specifically – Main building: On arrival (Year 3 and above) to Homerooms. All lessons should remain inside, PE / Swimming a maximum of 30 minutes outside - if deemed necessary.
AQI 201 to 300 (PM2.5 between 107 and 177.9 micrograms/m3)
Air quality in this range is considered to be very unhealthy. At this level all outdoor activities will be held indoors or cancelled, Early Years lunch will be in the classrooms. Decisions on any trips or camps will be based on the local air quality at destination.
AQI 301 and above (180 PM2.5 micrograms/m3 or above)
All students and school related personnel (except those necessary to maintain campus security) will remain indoors. This does not restrict students and staff from moving between buildings. Decisions on any trips or camps will be based on the local air quality at destination.
Our Website & The AirVisual App https://www.airvisual.com/app gives indications globally on the AQI index. It is suggested that if concerned, staff or parents download it and allow it to use your location to generate data. At Norwich, both of our AQI monitoring machines are available through the AirVisual App. The registration codes are:
Early Years: JCR6AK5Z
Primary: 0VDSFCIZ (Note – the first digit is a zero, not an O)
Definitions:
Prolonged exposure: The duration of prolonged exposure is dependent upon individual research studies, but is often a period of several months to several years.
Sensitive groups: Sensitive groups can include young children, elderly, pregnant people, or those with underlying heart and lung disease
Strenuous activity: An activity that increases the heart rate to a level typically associated with cardio training/exercise.
Research links:
https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi
https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.particle
http://www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/en/
https://th.usembassy.gov/message-u-s-citizens-air-quality-northern-thailand