AIR QUALITY HEALTH INDEX
| LOCATION: | AQI: | DATE: | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
AIR MONITORING STATIONS
View data from each station:
- Fort McKay (AMS 1)
- Mildred Lake (AMS 2)
- Lower Camp Met Tower (AMS 3)
- Buffalo Viewpoint (AMS 4)
- Mannix (AMS 5)
- Patricia McInnes (AMS 6)
- Athabasca Valley (AMS 7)
- Fort Chipewyan (AMS 8)
- Barge Landing (AMS 9)
- Albian Mine Site (AMS 10)*
- Lower Camp (AMS 11)
- Millennium (AMS 12)
- Syncrude UE-1 (AMS 13)
- Anzac (AMS 14)
- CNRL Horizon (AMS 15)
- Albian Muskeg River (AMS 16)*
*Note: AMS 10 was retired due to mining in the location. It has been replaced with AMS 16 which is 4km SE of the former AMS 10 site.
Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
Home // Air Monitoring // Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
The Air Quality Health Index, or AQHI, is a tool designed to help you understand what the air quality around you means to your health. It will provide you with the information you need to protect your health by limiting short-term exposure, and adjusting your activity levels during air quality events. It is also intended to provide advice on actions you can take to improve the quality of the air you breathe, especially in urban areas.
The higher the AQHI number, the greater the health risk and need to take precautions. The index describes the level of health risk associated with this number as ‘low’, ‘moderate’, ‘high’ or ‘very high’, and suggests steps we can take to reduce our exposure.
| Health Risk | Air Quality Health Index | Health Messages | |
| At Risk Population | General Population | ||
| Low Risk | 1-3 | Enjoy your usual outdoor activities. | Ideal air quality for outdoor activities. |
| Moderate Risk | 4-6 | Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms. | No need to modify your usual activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. |
| High Risk | 7-10 | Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy. | Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. |
| Very High Risk | Above 10 | Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion. | Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. |
The AQHI also forecasts health risks from air quality for today and tomorrow and provides associated health advice. The index does not measure the effects of pollen, heat or humidity on health.
You can refer to the AQHI to check the quality of outdoor air in your community before heading off to work or play, and you can use the forecasts to plan your activities, whether over the next hour or the next day.
Older adults, parents of children with asthma, and people suffering from heart or lung disease can use the index to assess the immediate risk air pollution poses to your health and take steps to lessen that risk.
Even if you’re relatively healthy, fit and active, you can consult the index to decide when and how much activity to engage in outdoors.
Below are some useful links related to the Air Quality Health Index for Albertan's:
- Air Quality Health Index in your community
- How is AQHI calculated?
- How does air pollution affect my health?
- AQHI Toolbox
- AQHI Frequently Asked Questions