Webinar: Managing Indoor Air Quality Before and During Wildfire Smoke Events: Smoke-Ready Schools

Recorded April 15, 2025

Webinar Description

This webinar discusses managing indoor air quality during wildfire smoke events, using schools as a case study. It provides public health and safety professionals, facility managers and school administrators with actionable strategies and technical resources to prepare for and respond to wildfire smoke events using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s IAQ Tools for Schools resources, Wildfires and IAQ in Schools and Commercial Buildings guidance and the new ASHRAE 44-2024 guidelines as a basis for planning and action.

Webinar Viewers Will:

• Increase their awareness of wildfire smoke risks and the health impacts on children, especially those with asthma.
• Discover actionable strategies to improve IAQ in preparation for and response to wildfire smoke events.
• Receive clear guidance on ventilation, filtration, and emergency preparedness, incorporating EPA guidance and the ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024 for wildfire smoke events.
• Learn real-world examples and best practices from school districts, state air programs, and health departments that have successfully managed exposure to wildfire smoke indoors in schools.
• Connect with technical resources to prepare for wildfire smoke and/or related exposures and make necessary building improvements.

Moderator

• Matthew Hiester, M.P.A., M.A., Environmental Protection Specialist, Center for Asthma and Schools, Indoor Environments Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Speakers

• Annie Doubleday, Ph.D., M.P.H., Ambient Air Quality Epidemiologist, Environmental Public Health Division, Office of Environmental Public Health Sciences, Washington State Department of Health
• Orly Stampfer, Ph.D., M.P.H., Interim Air Quality Unit Supervisor, Environmental Public Health Division, Office of Environmental Public Health Sciences, Washington State Department of Health
• Mike Gallagher, PE, Fellow ASHRAE, President, Western Allied Corporation
• Gretchen Pflueger, Special Projects Manager, Bellingham Public Schools, Washington