AIR QUALITY INFO
A little about PM10 and PM2.5
The term particulate matter (PM) refers to tiny particles suspended in the air. These can come from sources such as wildfire smoke, dust, vehicle emissions, and other forms of pollution.
PM10 refers to particles 10 micrometers or smaller in diameter. These particles can enter the respiratory system and cause irritation, particularly for children and people with respiratory sensitivities.
PM2.5 is even smaller. These particles are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. To put that into perspective, a PM2.5 particle is roughly 30 times smaller in diameter than the average human hair. Because they are so small, they can travel deep into the lungs, where the body’s natural filtering defenses are less effective. Some components of these particles can also cross from the lungs into the bloodstream.
When children are exercising, they breathe more deeply and rapidly, which can increase the amount of polluted air entering their lungs. A combination of unhealthy air quality and warm temperatures makes the situation even more concerning. Heat can place additional stress on the body during physical activity, while poor air quality can make breathing more difficult. Together, these conditions can increase the overall strain on children while they are exercising outdoors.
For that reason, we believe it is especially important to be cautious when air quality reaches unhealthy levels, particularly when combined with significant heat.
WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS
Read about our Club’s guidelines regarding EVENT CANCELLATION DUE TO WEATHER:
NEED AQ REPORTS?
For future occasions you can check Air Quality in these 4 different sources: