Plain-language outdoor activity guidance for recess, PE, and practice — built around the same AirNow data your district already trusts. Free to use. No account, no install. School year starts in September — worth getting familiar before day one.
For administrators setting school-wide guidance — before morning announcements or the first recess — the share feature generates a ready-to-paste note you can send to all coaches and staff at once. One check, consistent guidance across the whole school.
A coach checks airnow.gov, sees AQI 118, and still has to decide: do we practice at full intensity, shorten it, move inside, or cancel? A recess aide sees “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” and isn't sure which kids that applies to or what to actually change. The same problem applies to heat — a “Good” AQI day in August can still be dangerous for kids at recess.
AirNow gives an accurate number. It doesn't translate that number into a recess or practice decision. That gap is where BreathCount helps.
Example verdict — AQI 118, Kids / Recess mode:
“Air quality may affect sensitive groups today. For kids, recess, or PE — consider shorter outdoor periods, water and shade breaks, or an indoor option.”
Example share message for staff:
“🟡 Air is elevated today. For recess/PE, consider shorter outdoor time or a lighter plan. AQI 118.”
Air quality data comes directly from AirNow (EPA) — the same source most school districts already reference in their own air quality policies. Kids / Recess guidance is designed to reflect EPA's public outdoor activity guidance for schools, not to replace it.
Follow your district's rules first. BreathCount is designed to make checking and communicating current conditions faster — not to override local rules. If your district uses AirNow thresholds for recess and athletics, BreathCount gives coaches and administrators a quicker way to check those same conditions and share a plain-language note with parents or staff.
BreathCount collects no student information at any point — no names, no rosters, no grades, no school IDs. ZIP code only. No accounts required. No app install means no IT approval process needed. BreathCount is not subject to FERPA review.
Have questions about using BreathCount with your district or school? We respond within 24 hours.
Prefer email? schools@breathcount.org