Local pediatricians call for clean air in schools

The briefing

A group of Wenatchee Valley pediatricians argues that late summer now brings wildfire smoke season and that bringing students indoors only protects them if school HVAC systems can filter smoke. Researchers estimate a school day in unfiltered moderate smoke at AQI 150 equals inhaling roughly one cigarette, with repeated exposure risking stunted lung growth and lifelong heart and lung harm. The doctors frame the Wenatchee and Eastmont school bonds as an investment in community health, since the buildings also host camps, concerts and community events year-round.