To complement the federal government’s efforts to combat the severe wildfires and air pollution in various regions of Brazil, the Ministry of Education (MEC) is advising schools to take preventive measures to protect the health of the school community during these critical periods. In addition, the MEC has established a direct channel with school districts so they can submit questions and any requests. 

The increase in wildfires has led to alarming levels of air pollutants, which can pose significant health risks, especially for school-age children and adolescents. As a result, the Ministry of Education (MEC) has made an exclusive support channel available to school districts. If they have questions or specific requests regarding this issue, school districts and schools can send an email toapoiomec@mec.gov.br.  

If you see a fire, you should call the fire department at 193. For emergency medical care, you can call the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) at 192; and Civil Defense at 199. 

Recommendations: 

1.  Avoid outdoor activities:On days with high pollution levels, hold activities such as physical education and recess indoors in well-ventilated areas. Reduce outdoor activities as much as possible to minimize risks. 

2.  Conduct indoor activities:Promote indoor activities, such as educational games, reading, discussions about the environment and health, and artistic activities. These alternatives help keep students engaged without exposing them to adverse conditions. 

3.  Encourage hydration:Emphasize the importance of drinking plenty of water and other fluids. Ask students to always bring water bottles and take regular breaks to hydrate, since water helps flush toxins from the body and keep the airways clear. 

4.  Close windows and doors during periods of high outdoor pollution:keep indoor ventilation and humidity under control by using fans and humidifiers whenever possible. 

5.  Recognize and monitor health symptoms:Learn how to identify symptoms of exposure to pollution. If you experience nausea, vomiting, fever, shortness of breath, dizziness, mental confusion, or severe pain in the head, chest, or abdomen, seek medical attention. 

Monitor students or staff with preexisting medical conditions and be prepared to provide immediate support if necessary. Pay special attention to children under 5, pregnant women, older adults, and people with respiratory, heart, or immune system conditions. 

Additional measures to ensure safety and security: 

1. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Encouragestudents and staff who need to go outdoors during pollution spikes to wear masks. Provide guidance on the importance of masks and their proper use for respiratory protection. 

2. Identifying safe areas: Createindoor “sanctuaries” with better air quality for students with respiratory problems. Use high-efficiency air filters, if available, to improve air quality in these spaces. 

3. Communication with the community: Establishpartnerships with health and weather authorities to obtain up-to-date information on air quality. Keep parents informed about the situation and the measures taken by the school, and provide guidance on how to protect children. 

4. Education on pollution and health:Promote educational activities that teach students about the effects of air pollution and the importance of protecting the respiratory system. 

5. Cleaning the facilities:Step up cleaning of the school’s interior areas to reduce the presence of airborne pollutants. Use vacuum cleaners with filters, if available, to minimize the spread of dust and allergens. 

6. Suspension of in-person classes: Considersuspending classes only as a last resort, in cases of “very poor” or “poor” air quality, and work with the community to assess biosafety conditions in the school environment. 

 Access the guidance guide

Source: MEC Office of Public Relations 

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