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Every fall, millions of students across the United States head back to classrooms, eager to learn and reconnect with friends. But in recent years, a new challenge has shadowed the back-to-school season: wildfire smoke. With longer fire seasons and record-breaking air pollution, the air children breathe at school has become a serious health concern. Clean air is not just an environmental issue—it’s essential for learning, focus, and long-term student well-being.
Wildfire smoke is filled with PM2.5 fine particles, toxic gases, and ash that can travel hundreds of miles beyond the fire zone. These pollutants are especially harmful to children for several reasons:
Developing lungs: Children’s respiratory systems are still growing, making them more vulnerable to damage.
Faster breathing rates: Students inhale more air relative to their body size, taking in more pollutants.
Time spent outdoors: Recess, sports, and walking to school increase exposure during smoky days.
Pre-existing conditions: Asthma and allergies, already common in school-aged children, can worsen dramatically.
When students breathe smoky air, it doesn’t just affect their lungs—it impacts their ability to focus, learn, and participate in daily activities.
Air quality isn’t often considered part of school performance, but research shows it has a direct effect:
Increased absences: Smoke exposure drives up sick days for students with asthma and respiratory issues.
Reduced concentration: Poor air quality is linked to headaches, fatigue, and reduced cognitive performance.
Long-term risks: Repeated smoke exposure during childhood can affect lung development, increasing the risk of chronic disease later in life.
For teachers and schools, this means more classroom disruptions and fewer opportunities for consistent learning.
Protecting student health requires action from both families and school systems:
Monitor Air Quality Index (AQI): Stay updated and keep kids indoors when air quality is poor.
Improve Indoor Air: Schools can use HEPA filters and properly maintain HVAC systems to reduce smoke infiltration.
Advocate for Policies: Parents and teachers should push for smoke safety plans in schools, including air-filtered safe rooms.
Equip Students with Masks: On smoky days, students should wear masks that actually filter fine particles, not just cloth face coverings.
HALOmasks with Nanofiber™ technology are a simple, effective solution for families seeking to protect their children:
98.8% filtration of airborne particles, including PM2.5 smoke pollutants
Lightweight and breathable, designed for comfort during all-day wear
Reusable with replaceable filters, making them eco-friendly and affordable over time
Kid-friendly sizes and designs so students are more likely to wear them consistently
For parents, sending kids to school with a HALOmask means peace of mind, knowing they’re protected even when outdoor conditions are unsafe.
Every child deserves a safe environment to learn, play, and grow. As wildfire smoke becomes a recurring challenge in the U.S., protecting classrooms with clean air solutions is no longer optional—it’s essential. With the right steps at home and at school, and with reliable protection like HALOmasks, we can help students thrive academically and stay healthy, no matter what the air outside looks like.
We've found that weight selection is the easiest and
best way to make sure our masks fit you well.
X-Large | 200lbs+ | 90+kgs |
Large | 130lbs-199lbs | 59-90kgs |
Medium | 85lbs-129lbs | 39-58kgs |
Small | 30lbs-84lbs | 14-38kgs |
* NOTE: if unsure or between two weights, we recommend you chose the NEXT SIZE UP.
Catches over 99% of airborne particulates
On any manufacturer defect
Based on 10764 reviews
