Heat and Smoke Days

Declining air quality due to wildfire smoke is having a measurable impact on students’ cognitive and mental health, attendance, and outdoor recess time (and at the other end of the generational spectrum, it can increase dementia risk). Schools are adapting by using HEPA filters, masking, and other interventions to ensure student safety.

Heat has acute and long-term effects on both mental and physical health, and it is emerging as a significant burden for students. Studies show that high temperatures decrease student performance on tests and could affect high school graduation rates. And when temperatures surpass cooling capabilities, some schools are using “heat days“ to shorten or cancel classes. Planners can partner with health and school officials to create policies addressing extreme heat and air quality issues in schools.