Keeping Kids Safe: How to Shield Schoolchildren from Wildfire Smoke This Season

As the new school year begins across the United States, excitement is in the air—fresh notebooks, new friendships, and the promise of learning ahead. But in many regions, another kind of air is dominating the headlines: smoke. With wildfires intensifying in 2025, families face a troubling reality—children are heading back to classrooms during a season when the skies are often hazy and the air unsafe to breathe.

Wildfire smoke is not just a nuisance; it’s a health risk, especially for children. Their smaller lungs, developing immune systems, and higher breathing rates make them more vulnerable to polluted air. Parents and schools alike must take proactive steps to protect young lungs during this critical season.

Why Kids Are More at Risk from Wildfire Smoke

Children inhale more air per pound of body weight than adults, meaning toxins in smoke affect them more intensely. The primary concern is PM2.5 particles—tiny pollutants that can bypass natural defenses, enter the lungs, and even reach the bloodstream. For kids, this can mean:

• Asthma flare-ups or new respiratory problems

• Irritated eyes, throat, and sinuses

• Fatigue and headaches that affect learning

• Long-term risks to lung development if exposure is frequent

For kids with asthma or other pre-existing conditions, the dangers multiply. Even brief exposure to poor air quality can trigger emergency room visits.

How Parents Can Protect Children During Wildfire Season

Parents play the first line of defense when it comes to shielding children from smoke exposure. Here are key steps:

• Check Air Quality Daily: Use local AQI (Air Quality Index) apps or websites. If AQI is in the unhealthy range, limit outdoor activity.

• Create a Clean Indoor Space: Keep windows closed on smoky days, use HEPA air purifiers in bedrooms and living areas, and avoid indoor activities that add pollutants (like burning candles or frying foods).

• Communicate with Schools: Ask about school air filtration systems, policies for outdoor activities, and availability of clean-air spaces for students.

• Equip Children with Masks: High-filtration masks like HALOmasks can help kids stay protected when walking to school or waiting at bus stops.

How Schools Can Support Student Safety

Schools also play a vital role in protecting children during wildfire season. Administrators can:

• Adjust Outdoor Schedules: Cancel recess, outdoor sports, or physical education when AQI levels are poor.

• Improve Indoor Air Quality: Upgrade HVAC filters, seal leaks, and use portable air purifiers in classrooms.

• Educate Students: Teach kids the importance of listening to teachers and parents when smoke is present, and normalize mask-wearing as a safety measure.

• Partner with Families: Keep open communication about air quality alerts and health precautions.

The Role of HALOmasks in Protecting Kids

While staying indoors is best during smoky days, it’s not always possible. Kids still need to travel to and from school, participate in after-school programs, or attend activities. This is where HALOmasks offer vital protection.

• Nanofiber™ Technology: HALOmasks filter up to 98.8% of particles as small as 0.1 microns, including wildfire smoke pollutants.

• Comfort and Fit: Designed for all-day wear, HALOmasks are lightweight, breathable, and adjustable for smaller faces.

• Reusable and Sustainable: Each HALO Nanofilter™ lasts up to 200 hours, making them more reliable and eco-friendly than disposable masks.

• Peace of Mind for Parents: Sending kids to school with a mask that truly works offers reassurance during uncertain air quality conditions.

Breathing Easy This School Year

Back-to-school season should be about opportunity, growth, and excitement—not about worrying whether children are breathing safely. Unfortunately, wildfire smoke has become an unavoidable reality in many parts of the U.S. By combining family awareness, school readiness, and reliable protection like HALOmasks, we can make sure students stay safe, healthy, and ready to learn—even when the skies are smoky.

At HALOLIFE, we believe every child deserves clean air. Together, let’s protect the next generation—from classrooms to playgrounds, one breath at a time.