Recess Guidance for Schools Based on Air Quality

When should students stay inside? When should recess be canceled? When should sports and exercise be limited? The Utah Department of Environmental Quality, the State Office of Education and the Utah Department of Health has collaborated to develop a set of air quality guidelines for schools to use in determining whether to cancel outdoor recess on bad air days.

Fact sheets and Resources

• Recess Guidance for Schools (updated January 2008)
• Air quality list serv - Receive air quality notifications directly to your email.
• Check Today's Air Quality
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Indoor Activities ( To use during poor air quality days)
• Suggestions for Implementing the Recess Guidance
• Sample letter for parents
• Air Pollution in Utah - Fact sheet - Describes air quality in Utah.

Related News Releases

• November 18, 2008 - New Recess Guidelines for Bad Air Days: Officials Update Air Quality Guidance

• January 8, 2007 - Agencies Join Forces to Study School Air Quality: Project Project Looks to Improve Asthma Management
  
• December 5, 2005 - The Air out There: School air quality study helps schools and families play it safe during inversions
  
• August 18, 2004 - Breathing Just Got Easier at School: New Air Quality and Activities Guidance Released by Health Officers

Frequently Asked Questions

• Visit our FAQ page

Contact:
Utah Department of Health
Phone: (801) 538-6141
Fax: (801) 538-6629