Air Quality Health Index
Find your current Air Quality Health Index.
The air we breathe is subject to many local or distant factors which can affect our air quality. The Air Quality Health Index is a measure of the level of air pollutants on a scale from one to 10+. The lower the number, the lower the risk. Be air aware! For your current Air Quality Health Index value, check your local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care.
Factors that affect air quality include industrial activities, vehicle emissions, wildfires, and residential wood burning. Conditions may vary within our region and throughout the day. Extreme hot weather can intensify air quality issues.
Even low concentrations of pollutants, including wildfire smoke, can impact air quality and be harmful to your health; however, everyone responds differently. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the pollutant clears.
How to protect yourself and your loved ones
Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke or other air pollutants. Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or if you or someone in your care feels unwell. Drink water to help your body cope with the smoke.
If you have an HVAC system in your home, use the highest rated MERV filter for your system (ideally rated 13 or higher) and set the fan to recirculate air constantly. Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.
People with lung ailments, heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by poor air quality.
Individuals who are most vulnerable to the health effects of air pollutants may benefit from using a portable High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air cleaner in the home, and wearing a well-fitting mask (N95 masks are best for particulates), when outdoors.
Symptoms of air pollutant exposure
Mild and common symptoms of smoke exposure include:
- sore and watery eyes
- runny nose and sinus irritation
- scratchy throat and mild coughing
- headache
Severe symptoms of smoke exposure include:
- shortness of breath
- wheezing (including asthma attacks)
- severe cough
- dizziness
- chest pains
- heart palpitations
Seek medical attention if you develop severe symptoms.
Air Quality Resources
Air Quality Alerts – Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks website
AQHI Categories and Health Messages – Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, recommended actions for general and at-risk populations for each Air Quality Health Index category.
What is the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)? – [VIDEO] Ottawa Public Health
