Johnson County, Indiana

Health Department

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Fine Particle Fact Sheet for Schools

• What are fine particles?

• Children are classified as a “sensitive group” for particle pollution.  What does that mean?

• What are the symptoms? 

• What is a “fine particle alert”?

• What should schools do to protect students?

• What should schools do if children exhibit symptoms?

• What can students do to protect themselves when air pollution levels are high? 

What are fine particles?

Microscopic solid and liquid droplets suspended in the air. The combustion of fossil fuels from power plants, cars, trucks and factories is the major source of fine particles in the atmosphere.  Fine particles can also be emitted from wood burning stoves or agricultural burning, and are emitted in the exhaust of diesel trucks, buses and heavy equipment.  Prevailing winds can carry fine particles hundreds of miles from the source of the pollution

Fine particles are dangerous because they are so small that they can be drawn deeply into the lungs and become embedded into the lung tissue.  When this happens it is difficult to expel the particles from the lungs by exhaling, which can cause irritation. 

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Children are classified as a “sensitive group” for particle pollution.  What does that mean?

According to the American Lung Association, children are especially vulnerable to pollution-caused lung problems when they exercise because:

• For their size, they breathe more frequently and at a more rapid rate than adults;

• Their lungs are still developing, and scientific studies have shown that children whose lungs are exposed to air-borne pollutants may be more prone to developing chronic lung disease;

• They play outdoors and are more active.

• When children are active, they tend to breathe through their mouths, which by-passes the filtering done by the nose; and

• Outdoor school activities generally occur during the day when pollution levels are highest.

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What are the symptoms?                              

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What is a “fine particle alert”?   

It is a way of informing the public, through the media, that on a particular day the air quality is unhealthy. An air quality alert will provide information related to specific groups, especially the sensitive groups of the population that could be affected by elevated levels of pollution.  

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What should schools do to protect students?

• Make sure that teachers and coaches know about air pollution and how to act accordingly;

• Play outside at times of the day when levels will be lower;

• Engage in less strenuous activities; for example, walking instead of running;

• Reduce amount of time spent outdoors;

• Allow children with specific health disorders to remain inside; and

• Consider keeping all children indoors.

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What should schools do if children exhibit symptoms?

• For minor symptoms, bring children indoors immediately; symptoms should not worsen once the child is indoors;

• For children with asthma who show symptoms of an asthma attack, carefully follow their asthma management plan;

• For other children who show more serious symptoms, such as wheezing or chest tightness, bring them indoors immediately and notify parents immediately;

• If any symptoms persist or worsen, even minor ones, it is advisable to notify parents so that they may contact their health care provider for further assistance

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What can students do to protect themselves when air pollution levels are high?

• Remember that playing outside is ok but just take it easier;

• Pay attention to symptoms like coughing, pain when taking a deep breath, chest tightness or wheezing;

• If you have any of these symptoms, stop playing and tell your teacher or other adult immediately. 

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Contact Information

Office hours: Monday - Friday, 8am to 4:30pm

Fax  (317) 736-5264

86 West Court St.

Franklin, IN 46131

For after - hour emergencies, dial 911 & explain that you have a Public Health emergency.

If you are calling out of the local calling area, dial (317) 736-5155 for after - hour emergencies.

Postal Address  86 W Court St., Franklin, IN 46131

Send mail to eschultz@co.johnson.in.us  with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 03/18/10