This study looks at the validity of the UDOH Guideline to keep respiratory sensitive students indoors during poor air quality days as defined by an Air Quality Index (AQI) >100 and particularly as it may affect elementary school children.  Indoor and outdoor air measured particle mass, particle counts at different sizes, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were sampled at a Salt Lake City (SLC) elementary school.  Three indoor/outdoor pairs of VOC samples were collected using evacuated canisters during different AQI values.  Indoor particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter 2.5 microns or less, PM_2.5, was measured using a tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) located in the school library.  These were compared to outdoor TEOM Filter Dynamic Measuring System (FDMS) measurements.  Particle counts were measured using Grimm aerosol spectrometers and segregated into particle sizes ranging from 0.3 to 20+ microns.  All measurements were taken in the school library, at the nearby Utah Division of Air Quality’s (UDAQ’s) monitoring station, or on the roof of the school.  The results suggest that staying indoors during elevated AQI days does reduce exposure to particulate matter, while only slightly increasing exposure time to low concentrations of VOCs normally found within schools.

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