As students head back to the classroom and St. Louis area families settle into new routines, late summer is the perfect time to refocus on healthy habits, including paying attention to the air we breathe. While school supply lists, sports schedules and after-school activities may be top of mind, air quality remains an important consideration for protecting children’s health and helping everyone enjoy a strong start to the school year.
Children are among those most vulnerable to air pollution because their lungs are still developing, and they tend to spend more time being active outdoors. That’s why the Clean Air Partnership encourages families and schools to prioritize lung health, especially for children with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Fortunately, there are several simple steps families can take to help protect their health while also doing their share for cleaner air across the St. Louis region.
Check the Daily Air Quality Forecast
One of the easiest ways to stay informed is by checking the daily air quality forecast. The Clean Air Partnership provides color-coded forecasts based on the Air Quality Index (AQI), helping residents understand current air quality conditions and whether extra precautions may be needed. When air quality reaches unhealthy levels, children, older adults and those with existing lung conditions may need to reduce prolonged outdoor activity.
Individuals can also sign up for EnviroFlash alerts through the Clean Air Partnership website to receive timely air quality notifications via email or text.
Build Cleaner Commutes Into Your School Routine
Returning to school often means more cars on the road and increased traffic around pick-up and drop-off times. Since transportation remains one of the largest contributors to ozone-forming emissions, small transportation choices can make a meaningful difference. Consider:
- Carpooling with neighbors or classmates
- Walking or biking when possible
- Using public transportation
- Combining errands into a single trip
- Avoiding unnecessary vehicle idling in school zones
These simple actions help reduce emissions while supporting cleaner air for everyone.
Support Healthy Lungs at Home
As schedules become busier, maintaining healthy habits is crucial. Encourage children to stay hydrated, especially during warm late-summer days, and be mindful of symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or unusual shortness of breath during outdoor activities. Families with children who have asthma should ensure medications and action plans are readily available as the school year begins.
For additional tips on protecting lung health and managing asthma symptoms, visit the American Lung Association’s website at Lung.org.
Small Actions Add Up
The good news is that cleaner air is something we can all help support. Whether it’s choosing a cleaner commute, conserving energy at home, avoiding excessive vehicle idling or simply staying informed about local air quality conditions, every action contributes to a healthier community.
As summer gives way to fall, make air quality awareness part of your family’s back-to-school routine. By staying informed and taking a few simple steps, we can help protect children’s health, support cleaner air and ensure everyone has an opportunity to breathe a little easier this school year.
To learn more about the link between sustainability and air quality, explore our website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.
