If you are physically active outdoors, the new Air Quality Health Index may be of interest to you.
Using a simple scale from 1 to 10+, the Air Quality Health Index or “AQHI” measures current levels of outdoor air pollution in relation to health risk: the lower the number, the lower the risk; the higher the number, the greater the risk to health.
We generally have great air quality in Nova Scotia. However, even low levels of air pollution can still affect us, especially seniors, children, and those with heart or lung conditions. If you are physically-active outdoors or work outside, you may be at an increased health risk when air pollution levels are unusually high.
The AQHI currently describes the quality of air in the areas of Halifax, Annapolis Valley, and Sydney. Plans are to provide the AQHI for Port Hawkesbury and Pictou in the near future.
Be air aware…visit www.airhealth.ca to receive current AQHI readings updated on the hour. Forecasted AQHI readings are also provided to help you plan your day. Environment Canada’s Weather Office (www.weatheroffice.gc.ca) and The Weather Network television station also provide the Air Quality Health Index.
The Air Quality Health Index is brought to you by Nova Scotia Environment and Nova Scotia Health Promotion and Protection in partnership with the Government of Canada. For more information, please visit www.airhealth.ca or www.gov.ns.ca/nse/aqhi/
