1. National Air Quality Conference – San Diego March 7, 2011 Lori Kobza Communications Office Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD

2. Save Planet Polluto/Radio Disney Partnership between Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD and Radio Disney began in 2002 Elementary school assemblies are based on the AQMD’s Save Planet Polluto CD-ROM adventure game and the Sacramento region’s Spare The Air program Each school event is presented by Radio Disney’s “Extreme Team” staff – (14+ schools each season) Features colorful life-size characters, games, AQI and other air quality information, Disney prizes

3. Radio Disney Assemblies (cont.) Team explains AQI chart, describes health risks at each category Children learn how to find out the daily air quality forecast Sacramento Bee’s weather page featuring AQI is displayed Spare The Air advisory radio commercial is played so kids know what to listen for during the summer

4. Radio Disney Assemblies (cont.) Children listen & interact with Team while learning about air pollution causes and how to improve air quality After the skit, the Team plays a game called “Who Wants to Breathe Clean Air” and invites two kids up on stage to play and go over what they’ve learned

5. AQI Kids Activity Chart Developed in 2005 by Sacramento Metro AQMD, Breathe California (formerly American Lung Assoc.), Sacramento County Dept. of Public Health, El Dorado, Placer & Yolo-Solano Air Districts, Folsom-Cordova School District nurse, EPA, and health scientists from the California Air Resources Board Chart is tied to the AQI for 8-hour ozone standard Provides guidelines on activity levels for children on smoggy days Recess, P.E. class, athletic practice & training, and scheduled sporting events

6. AQI Kids Activity Chart (cont.) Can be used anywhere in the U.S. Chart gives reasonable recommendations that recognize the health benefits of exercise, while showing a need to possibly restrict activities or provide indoor space when air quality is poor Extremely detailed instructions on how to “use” the chart were developed with input from teachers and coaches – they wanted step-by-step instructions Recommendations may require modification if children are being exposed to wildfire smoke

7. AQI Kids Activity Chart (cont.) Chart gives short guidelines Example #1: if the AQI is at the unhealthy level, and there is an athletic practice, the chart indicates “Activities over 2 hours should decrease intensity and duration. Add rest breaks or substitutions to lower breathing rates.” Example #2: if the AQI is at the USG level, and there is a P.E. class, the chart indicates “Make indoor space available for children with asthma or other respiratory problems.”

8. AQI Kids Activity Chart (cont.) Printed charts are sent to schools, sports leagues, daycare centers, and others who supervise children Distributed to staff and teachers at Radio Disney school assemblies Available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese and Hindi Can also be found on the Sacramento region’s Spare The Air website - www.sparetheair.com/aqi.cfm (click on AQI Kids Activity Chart to view or print the PDF) www.sparetheair.com/aqi.cfm