School sports face restrictions based on air quality

Portland haze (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) 

Haze from forest fires has prompted the Oregon School Activities Association to issue guidelines for restricting activities.

Schools should check the Air Quality Index on the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality or the Air Now – Oregon Air Quality websites. Schools not near a monitoring site should check with government authorities to best determine AQI in their areas.

• AQI over 100: Students with heart or lung conditions should be closely monitored, have medication ready and be given additional breaks.
• AQI over 150: Outdoor contests shall be canceled, and practices should be limited to two hours with decreased intensity and more rest breaks. Students with heart conditions should not participate.
• AQI over 200: All outdoor activities shall be canceled.

OSBA has posted the recommendations and requirements.