Wildfires are currently affecting various areas in New Jersey, and the resulting smoke is compromising air quality, including within public schools. Drought conditions suggest that additional wildfires may occur, further exacerbating the situation.
Local associations have been provided with guidance and resources to share with school administrators to maintain safe working and learning environments for staff and students. Dr. Richard Lynch, a Certified Industrial Hygienist at EMSCorp, has adapted this information for public schools across New Jersey.
If a school building is near wildfire smoke, it is advised to reduce strenuous outdoor activities, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Staff engaged in outdoor activities should take indoor breaks and use N95 respirators if necessary. HEPA-filtered portable air purifiers should be operated in classrooms and offices where available. If smoke odors infiltrate indoor spaces, closing windows and adjusting HVAC settings can help mitigate exposure.
The ASHRAE Planning Framework for Wildfire offers strategies to minimize health impacts from wildfires. Building managers are encouraged to develop a "Smoke Readiness Plan" using the United States Air Quality Index as a trigger found at airnow.gov. Additional measures include keeping extra filters on hand, using PM 2.5 monitors to track air quality trends inside buildings, and employing portable room air cleaners equipped with HEPA filters.
Several resources are recommended for further information:
- The ASHRAE Planning Framework for Protecting Commercial Building Occupants from Smoke During Wildfire Events (2023).
- NIOSH Science Blog's article on protecting workers from wildfire smoke (June 29, 2023).
- Studies on the accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons indoors post-wildfire by Aurélie Laguerre et al., published in Environmental Science & Technology (2023).
- Research on indoor smoke VOCs by Jienan Li et al., featured in Science Advances (2023).
- Analysis of particulate matter due to Canadian Quebec wildfires by José Guillermo Cedeño Laurent et al., appearing in Environmental Science & Technology (2024).
These guidelines aim to ensure that appropriate measures are taken when districts experience unsafe air quality due to wildfires.
