The International School of Myanmar (ISM) strives to promote a healthy environment for its students, staff, parents, and visitors to our campus. There are times of the year when we experience poor air quality in Yangon and we know that this is an issue of importance for all of us. We make every effort to ensure we provide a safe environment for our children to learn in and have therefore put the following guidelines and procedures in place. It is the objective of these guidelines to detail the mitigation measures taken at ISM to maintain a healthy environment.
Exposure to elevated levels of air pollution causes both short-term and long-term health effects. The extent of those effects varies depending on individual risk factors such as age, existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, and nature of activities performed. Research has found that children (ages 0 to 18) and the elderly (age 65+) are the most susceptible receptors and thus require additional mitigation measures as compared to the general population.
ISM relies on the Air Quality Index (AQI) to determine the extent of health impacts and mitigation response needed. Conversion of criteria regarding pollutant concentrations differs among nations globally. ISM recognizes and uses the AQI developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
The official measurement used by ISM is the PurpleAir monitor located on campus in the Middle School. The ISM Health Clinic and the ISM Administrative Assistants monitor the AQI using the AirVisual App throughout the day and notify the ISM community accordingly.
As mentioned below, at an AQI above 200 all activities are held indoors, which includes recess, ASA and clubs.
Parents of children who are more sensitive to the health effects of air pollution (aka sensitive groups), including individuals with asthma, respiratory illness, and heart or lung disease should speak with their child’s Principal and ensure the conditions are recorded within the school’s records. Faculty/employees should inform their direct supervisor of such conditions as well.
The International School of Myanmar’s guidelines and response are as follows:
| Pollution Index | US EPA Health Implications | ISM Response |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50 Good | Air quality is considered satisfactory. air pollution poses little or no risk | Periodic monitoring with no change to normal operations. |
| 51-100 Moderate | Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people. For example, people who are unusually sensitive to ozone may experience respiratory symptoms. | Periodic monitoring with no change to normal operations. |
| 101-150 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Although the general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI range, people with lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from exposure to ozone, whereas persons with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air. | Periodic monitoring with no change to normal operations. Sensitive groups (ex. students with asthma) may be moved indoors. |
| 151-200 Unhealthy | Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects. | Sensitive groups (ex. students with asthma) indoors. Periodic monitoring for ES/MS/HS. |
| 201-300 Very Unhealthy | This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects | No outdoor activity of any kind for students. |
| 301-500 Hazardous | This would trigger a health warning of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected. | No outdoor activity of any kind for students. |
What would normally be safe for eight hours of exposure (“safe” means not likely to result in adverse health effects in the general population) becomes less so with increased breathing rates and the duration of exposures. Therefore, an exposure risk reduction strategy involves reducing intensity (breathing rates) and duration (time) of vigorous outdoor activities. Physical Education instructors should be prepared with alternative sports and exercises that can be performed on poor outdoor air quality days. Exercise is important to lung development, heart health, physical fitness, and weight management. Note: Permitting no physical activity should be the last consideration. Children with asthma action plans developed in conjunction with their physician, parents, and school nurse should always follow their plan .
Possible ways to reduce health risks from higher exposures to outdoor air pollutants on poor outdoor air quality days:
Possible ways to reduce health risks from higher exposures to outdoor air pollutants on poor outdoor air quality days:
1. Work with YAC and MISCA schools on policies for canceling and rescheduling sporting events on poor outdoor air quality days (including inclement weather policies).
