If you’ve noticed hazy skies or received an Air Quality Alert on your phone recently, you’re not imagining it. Smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires has periodically affected air quality across New York this summer, prompting health advisories in many communities.
For parents, the natural question is: Is it still safe for my child to go to camp, play sports or spend the day outside?
The answer depends on the day’s Air Quality Index (AQI) and your child’s health. Understanding the AQI, recognizing when smoke may become harmful, and knowing which children are most vulnerable can help families make informed decisions while still enjoying the summer.
What Is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
AQI is a simple way to measure how clean or pollute the air is. During wildfire events, the AQI is driven primarily by fine particulate matter (PM2.5), microscopic particles that can travel deep into the lungs and contribute to irritation and inflammation.
AQI Quick Guide
- 0–50 (Good): Outdoor activities are safe.
- 51–100 (Moderate): Most children may play normally, but sensitive children should monitor symptoms.
- 101–150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Children with asthma or chronic lung disease should reduce prolonged or vigorous outdoor activity.
- 151–200 (Unhealthy): All children should limit strenuous outdoor exercise.
- Above 200 (Very Unhealthy/Hazardous): Stay indoors whenever possible.
Why Are Children More Vulnerable?
Children breathe faster than adults, spend more time outdoors, and their lungs and immune systems are still developing. These factors make them more susceptible to the effects of wildfire smoke.
Which Children Are at Highest Risk?
Children with asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, seasonal allergies, previous smoke-related breathing problems, and infants and young children are especially vulnerable.
What Symptoms Should Parents Watch For?
Poor air quality doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms right away, so it’s important to pay attention to how your child is feeling.
Watch for:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Burning eyes or throat
- Headache
- Unusual fatigue
- Needing a rescue inhaler more often
- Decreased exercise tolerance
If symptoms develop, move indoors, encourage fluids and rest, and follow your child’s Asthma Action Plan if they have one. Seek medical attention immediately for significant breathing difficulty or symptoms that do not improve.
Is It Safe to Send My Child to Camp?
Most camps have plans for poor air quality days.
Parents should ask whether the camp:
- Checks the AQI daily
- Has indoor alternatives
- Knows about their child’s asthma or lung condition
- Ensures quick access to rescue medication
- Has staff trained to recognize worsening respiratory symptoms.
How Can Families Reduce Smoke Exposure?
On days with poor air quality:
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Run the air conditioner on recirculation
- Use a portable HEPA air cleaner if available
- Avoid smoking or burning candles indoors
- Postpone strenuous outdoor exercise
- Continue prescribed controller medications
- Keep rescue inhalers readily available.
How Can Parents Check the AQI?
Checking the AQI should become part of the morning routine, just like checking the weather. AirNow.gov and most weather apps provide current AQI conditions and forecasts.
The Bottom Line
The most important thing parents can do is make checking the Air Quality Index part of their daily routine. Checking the AQI helps you decide whether it’s a good day for outdoor play or whether it’s safer to move activities indoors, especially for children with asthma or other chronic lung conditions.
