From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Trussville City Schools released a letter to parents and guardians that informed them of the installation of outdoor air monitors at four sites in the school system.
The monitors are located at Magnolia Elementary School, Cahaba Elementary School, Paine Elementary School, and the HT Stadium. Hewitt-Trussville High School and Hewitt-Trussville Middle School monitors will be located at the stadium.
The air quality may be checked at www.purpleair.com
By clicking on the “maps” tab. The real-time measure is shown in circles on the map. You may select the circle to see the site of the monitor, the real-time air quality, and additional information. TCS will check the monitors on a daily basis and will monitor each site for a 3-day average in the green (satisfactory) category before resuming outdoor activities.
In addition, UAB Public Health will be sending each school in the system 15 indoor air purifiers and HEPA filters. They expect to receive the air purifiers within the next two weeks.
The City of Trussville and Trussville City Schools are thankful to the Jefferson County Health Department and UAB Public Health Division for partnering with them to ensure the health and safety of their students.
Air quality index | At-risk population | Actions |
Good (0-50) | No risk | Enjoy the outdoors! |
Moderate (51-100) | People unusually sensitive to particle pollution | Unusually sensitive people: It is advisable to reduce heavy physical activity and monitor symptoms.
Overall population: Outdoor activities are still a good idea! |
Unhealthy for sensitive groups (101-150) | Older adults
Children and teenagers People with heart or lung disease |
Sensitive groups: Outdoor physical activity is allowed. Take more breaks and reduce the outdoor time. Monitor symptoms.
People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan. Keep quick relief medicine handy. People with heart diseases: Look out for palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue. If they are present, contact your health provider, they may indicate a serious problem. |
Unhealthy (151-200) | Everyone | Sensitive groups: Avoid heavy physical activity. It is best to move activities indoors or reschedule.
Overall population: Outdoor physical activity is allowed. Take more breaks and reduce the outdoor time if possible. Monitor symptoms. |
Very unhealthy (201-300) | Everyone | Sensitive groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors and change them to an indoor setting. Consider rescheduling to a time when air quality is better.
Overall population: Avoid physical activity. Consider moving activities indoors. |
Hazardous (301-500) | Everyone | Everyone: Remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Follow tips for keeping particle levels low indoors. |
Currently, the air quality at the four locations in Trussville are:
- Magnolia Elementary School – 4;
- Cahaba Elementary School – 4;
- Paine Elementary School – 0; and
- HT Stadium – 5.
The air quality in the Annie Lee Road area is 176.