Students at the Health Careers Academy High School in Stockton are learning about ways to cut air pollution -- such as having their parents turn off the car engine while waiting for after school pickup.
Heather Heinks with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District says schools now have access to hour-by-hour air quality information through the program.
"There might be a few hours that day where they could still have activities outside and take advantage of better air quality before the peaks occur," says Heinks.
Sophomore Jackson Lehner spoke to the audience about student responsibility to take part.
"It is important to protect the air on earth because it protects not only us but also all living things on earth," says Lehner.
Schools can also receive email and text alerts when air quality deteriorates.
Heather Heinks from SJ Valley Air Pollution Control District explaining program. Rich Ibarra / Capital Public Radio
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