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Air Quality & Heat Management Policy

Air Quality Management Policy

Purpose

The care and welfare of all KIS students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority. These guidelines have been developed to provide clear action points when the local air pollution levels increase.

Background

Pollutant Related Health concerns

Air pollution is a growing concern worldwide. 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. KIS monitors particle pollution, specifically Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5). PM2.5 are fine particulates in the air, which can get into the lungs and may even enter the bloodstream.

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 (linked here) to help the public better understand the impact of air pollution and determine when air pollution reaches unhealthy levels.  KIS has developed its practices in collaboration with other international schools in China, SE Asia, and the US, based on information from the EPA, World Health Organization and UNICEF.

Based on new studies and confusion around the complexity of AQI calculations, KIS has updated our Air Quality Guidelines to be based solely on PM2.5 levels, which is usually the most dangerous airborne particulates.

Air Quality Guidelines for Outdoor Activities & Sports

PM 2.5 of 1 – 9 

Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

PM 2.5 of 10 – 35

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 who fall into the “sensitive groups” category will be monitored by teachers and staff. KIS’ medical team will observe visitors to the clinic and report any respiratory issues on a medical incident report.

PM 2.5 of 36 – 55

Air quality in this range is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Therefore, strenuous activity should be reduced. At this level outdoor activities may be modified to low intensity and/or shorter time periods. See chart below for specific modifications
Interscholastic games and competitions may see modifications. – See chart below

PM 2.5 of 56 – 125

Air quality in this range is considered to be unhealthy for all groups. At this level, all outdoor activities will be modified, moved indoors, or canceled. Outdoor field trip decisions will be based on the local air quality at the destination using external sources.

PM 2.5 of > 126

**If the PM2.5 level exceeds 126 µg/m³, all students and school-related personnel (except those necessary to maintain campus security) will remain indoors. Those staff who are necessary to remain outdoors will be recommended to wear an N95 mask.

This does not restrict students and staff from moving between buildings. Outdoor field trip decisions will be based on the local air quality of the destination using external sources.

PM 2.5 is measured in ug/m3.  

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, the elderly, pregnant people, or those with underlying heart and lung disease. 

Sensitive individuals – Underlying medical conditions: 

Parents are encouraged to maintain up-to-date medical records for their children.  Although not exhaustive, children with a diagnosis of Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, Chronic Lung Disease, Arrhythmia, Cardiac Valve Abnormalities will be grouped into the sensitive group as indicated above regardless of age.

Strenuous activity: 

An activity that increases the heart rate to a level typically associated with cardio training/exercise.

Resources Used to Determine Current Air Quality

KIS readings are taken from the Cisco sensor which is located at the primary pool. It frequently refreshes the data and directly updates through a plugin to our school website. All real-time information is accessible through the KIS Community Portal.

Communicating air quality Protocol

The pollutant levels are monitored automatically throughout the day. Staff follow the guidelines and communicate internally when levels exceed our designated thresholds.

  • If the real-time PM2.5 level is >126 µg/m³, a determination will be made if events are to be canceled. If canceled, a notification will be sent to parents through SchoolsBuddy as early as possible.
  • The reduction from level 5 to level 4 is based on the discretion of the Leadership team who are tracking the PM2.5 level over time.

The Air Quality Guide for PM2.5 based on the US Environmental Protection Agency AQI Basics.

Below values are listed in AQI which is calculated off the PM2.5 level. To convert values please use this resource. 

Research links Listed Below:

https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution
https://th.usembassy.gov/air-quality-index-aqi/

KIS Policy based on a document originally created by International School Bangkok and modified with permission for use at KIS International School.

Proposed Adopted: March 2023
Updated: February 2025

Policy Statement
At KIS we encourage students to actively participate in outdoor play and activities as a part of a balanced lifestyle. PE lessons, recess on playgrounds and sports programmes are all an integral part of being active and healthy, helping students to stay focused, reduce stress and increase immunity. High temperatures can present dangerous situations for students and staff but with precautions, situations can be minimized and controlled. KIS has developed guidelines to ensure students are safe when active outside and in non-air conditioned indoor spaces.

Monitoring the Outdoor Temperature and Heat Index
KIS has installed heat sensors and temperature reading devices on campus. Display screens on the Upper Grade School playground and in the Aquatics Centre measure and display the heat index in real time. Staff who are leading/supervising outdoor activities should regularly monitor these readings on the screen outside the canteen and on KISNET and follow the related guidelines set in this policy.

Communication
The administration will monitor the Heat Index at all times and will relay information to staff relating to level 4 and 5 procedures.

Action Plan
Teachers and support staff who are responsible for students whilst outdoor will be aware of an alarm on the playing field and UGS playground signaling a red light with the heat index reading. (Temp vs HI reading). When the red light shows and the 48º C plus, staff must follow the below recommendations and follow the Heat Management Guidelines.

For the purpose of monitoring student outdoor time a Five (5) level plan has been developed to ensure student and staff safety.

Please follow the recommendations on the accompanying chart to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.

Heat Management Guidelines (Levels 1 – 5)

Additional Information

It is important in the tropics that a close eye is kept on students at all times, especially younger students who are less likely to self-monitor their body heat and levels of exertion. To ensure students stay safe and well during times of high temperatures and soaring heat index it is important that teachers/responsible adults:

  • Ensure students are well hydrated, offering water breaks throughout and at the end of activities
  • Observe students for signs of heat related conditions
  • Encourage less strenuous play/activities
  • Provide activities in the shade if students appear tired, lethargic overly sweaty or irritated
  • Monitor the temperature and heat index and follow the KIS guidelines


Dehydration

Children get dehydrated if they do not replace body fluids lost by sweating. Being even a little dehydrated can make a child feel unwell and play less effectively. Dehydration also puts children at risk for more dangerous heat illnesses.

Signs and Symptoms of dehydration:

  • Dry mouth
  • Thirst
  • Being irritable or cranky
  • Headache
  • Seeming bored or disinterested
  • Dizziness
  • Cramps
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Child not able to run as fast or play as well as usual


Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are a mild heat illness that can be easily treated. These intense muscle spasms usually develop after a child has been exercising for a while and has lost large amounts of fluid and salt from sweating. Children who sweat a lot or have a high concentration of salt in their sweat may be more likely to get heat cramps. Heat cramps can largely be avoided by being adequately conditioned, getting used to the heat and humidity slowly, and being sure a child eats and drinks properly.

Signs and Symptoms of heat cramps:

  • Intense pain (not associated with pulling or straining a muscle)
  • Persistent muscle contractions that continue during and after exercise


Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a moderate heat illness that occurs when a child continues to be physically active even after he or she starts suffering from ill effects of the heat, like dehydration. The child’s body struggles to keep up with the demands, leading to heat exhaustion.

Signs and Symptoms of heat exhaustion:

  • Child finds it hard or impossible to keep playing
  • Loss of coordination, dizziness or fainting
  • Severe dehydration
  • Profuse sweating or pale skin
  • Headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Stomach/intestinal cramps or persistent muscle cramps


Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a severe heat illness that occurs when a child’s body creates more heat than it can release, due to the strain of exercising and activity in the heat. This results in a rapid increase in core body temperature, which can lead to permanent disability or even death if left untreated.

Signs and Symptoms of heat stroke:

  • Increase in core body temperature, usually above 104°F/40°C when the child falls ill
  • Central nervous system dysfunction, such as altered consciousness, seizures, confusion, emotional instability, irrational behavior or decreased mental acuity


Other possible indicators include:

  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Headache, dizziness or weakness
  • Hot and wet or dry skin
  • Increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure or fast breathing
  • Severe dehydration
  • Irritation/lack of patience

It is important to act on any of the above symptoms quickly as students can move from dehydration to heat stroke rapidly if left unattended.

Adopted: April 2019
Reviewed: May 2023