The following is an email from SMMUSD Superintendent Antonio Shelton on how decisions are made around Air Quality.
Superintendent’s Message: Air Quality Monitoring and Decisions
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students, and Community Members,
We understand that some parents, staff and community members are concerned about air quality from the Palisades Fire and other nearby incidents since last week. I want to assure you that we are closely monitoring several agencies and following information provided by reliable and official sources in making our decisions regarding outdoor activities.
Air Quality Monitoring and Response
I am sharing our initial Air Quality Monitoring and Response memo that we shared last week detailing the standard used by the District in determining air quality that includes the following measures:
● Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Air Quality Index (AQI)
● Purple Air monitoring
● California Department of Education (CDE) guidelines
● MERV-13 air filters installed in the majority of SMMUSD classrooms where supported
● Advising teachers and staff to keep windows and doors closed to maximize the indoor air quality
● Adjustments to outdoor activities as needed based on results of indexes
Air Quality Monitoring Addendum – Palisades Fire
Additionally, we have created an air quality monitoring addendum that is more specific to our current situation with the Palisades fire and other weather conditions in the area. This addendum addresses:
● Windblown dust and ash advisories and when precautions should be taken:
○ If AQI is elevated
○ If you see or smell smoke
○ Visible ash (even if AQI is not elevated)
■ The Los Angeles Department of Public Health (LADPH) issued a Windblown Dust and Ash Advisory following strong Santa Ana winds expected to affect the region that terminated on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m.
● AQI Forecast and Recommendation for Activities
AQI Daily Forecast and SCAQMD Smoke Outlook highlights:
○ High winds aloft are predicted again today with low potential to reach the surface. The available sources of large smoke production have been reduced significantly. Interior heat and smoldering structures will continue to bring short periods of MODERATE smoke impacts along Topanga Canyon to the west and Santa Monica Canyon to the east. These winds will provide GOOD air quality for the majority of the day unless there are new fire starts or a breach of containment efforts.
○ The advisory forecasts the winds will continue to blow the smoke away from Santa Monica and remain in the Good AQI.
○ If the winds change unexpectedly and begin to blow towards Santa Monica there might be an increase in smoke and ash. If this occurs, outdoor activities should be reduced even if the AQI remains in the good or moderate range.
○ Given the full advisory information from both organizations, outdoor activities may occur unless the wind patterns change.
● Indoor Air Quality and Filtration
○ The majority of heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in SMMUSD have been upgraded to use MERV-13 filtration (over 85%). The rest of the HVAC systems that are unable to support the higher level of filtration use the highest level MERV filter applicable. Also, additional filtration systems have been added to support the filtration of return air in these rooms. All systems also have ionization units that allow particulates to be captured by the filtration.
○ A MERV-13 filter is considered the best option for filtering out wildfire smoke as it effectively captures the fine particles present in smoke and is generally compatible with most HVAC systems without causing issues; the EPA recommends using a MERV 13 or higher filter during smoky periods to protect indoor air quality.
○ The Environmental Protection Agency advises using a MERV 13 or higher filter during wildfire season to minimize indoor smoke exposure. Since the HVAC systems were turned off at the start of the Palisades Fire and not turned back on until the air quality was good, the filters remain functional. District HVAC techs have been spot checking the filters to determine if they need to be replaced. They are scheduled to be replaced beginning in February as part of the normal cycle.
I appreciate our facility teams and leadership who are monitoring our air quality, checking all measures thoroughly and engaging with experts regarding the readings. We are in constant communication with our principals regarding decisions each day regarding outdoor activities.
Based on the data, some of our sports teams and physical education classes and outdoor activities have resumed. Parents may make decisions on their student’s participation based on their beliefs and standards.
The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Every decision we make takes this into consideration. We continue to be watchful to ensure that the best decisions are being made daily. Thank you for your continued support and the outpouring of generosity we are experiencing during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Antonio Shelton, Superintendent
