Environmental health resources for schools and childcare facilities
We have downloadable materials on extreme heat, wildfire smoke, traffic pollution, ventilation, and air quality for public schools and childcare facilities. These resources can help maintain and improve air quality during events like wildfires and heat waves.
Guidance and recommendations for download
Extreme heat and wildfire smoke events are becoming more frequent and severe as the climate changes. Extreme heat can lead to heat illnesses including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke – a medical emergency.
The small particles in wildfire smoke, also known as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), can travel deep into the lungs when breathed in and cause inflammation throughout the body. This can have both short-term and longer-lasting health impacts.
Children, infants, and people with certain chronic health conditions are particularly susceptible to the health effects of extreme heat and wildfire smoke.
For guidance and recommendations for schools to prepare for and minimize harms of extreme heat events and wildfire smoke, see the Vancouver Coastal Health guidance and recommendations below.
Extreme Heat: Schools and childcare facilities
Guidance and recommendations for schools and childcare facilities to prepare for and minimize harms of extreme heat events.
Wildfire Smoke: Schools and childcare facilities
Guidance and recommendations for schools and childcare facilities to prepare for and minimize harms of wildfire smoke.
Traffic-Related Air Pollution: Schools and childcare facilities
Guidance and recommendations for schools and childcare facilities to minimize harms of traffic-related air pollution.
Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality: Schools and childcare facilities
Guidance and recommendations for schools and childcare facilities to optimize ventilation and indoor air quality in their facilities.
Resources
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BC HealthFile: Indoor Air Quality
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K-12 School Settings
BC Provincial Communicable Disease Guidelines
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COVID-19: Guidance on indoor ventilation during the pandemic
Public Health Agency of Canada
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