Wildfire smoke and schools: When is it too smoky for recess?
Caroline AylwardJennifer Gray
ByCaroline AylwardandJennifer Gray
August 28, 2026Updated: August 28, 2026, 7:56 am EDTPublished: August 28, 2026, 7:50 am EDT

As wildfire smoke blankets parts of the country, many parents assume there is a strict national rule for when schools must bring recess and P.E. indoors. But the truth is, most federal and state air quality guidelines are entirely optional. Here is what pediatricians say about the dangers of smoke for developing lungs, and the exact question you should ask your principal to find out how your school handles poor air quality days.

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