How Environment Canada shows air quality risk levels amid wildfires
Global News
Risk designations can change regularly in the same community, Environment Canada says, so it's important to keep checking the air quality forecast.
Wildfire season is upon us once again, and smoke is reducing air quality through swaths of the country. Environment Canada suggests people check the Air Quality Health Index daily to determine how much time to spend outside. Here’s how to interpret the index:
Environment Canada’s air quality index is at https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/index_e.html
You can take a look at the ratings in communities across your province or territory.
A rating of 1-3 is low risk, 4-6 is moderate risk, 7-10 is high risk and over 10 is very high risk.
The risk designations can change regularly in the same community, Environment Canada says, so it’s important to keep checking the air quality forecast.
Environment Canada, in consultation with Health Canada, has different recommendations for people especially at risk of suffering health problems when exposed to poor air quality compared to the general population.
“At risk” people include those with respiratory issues such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, as well those with as heart disease. Infants, young children, pregnant people and elderly people are also considered at higher risk.
The government agency lists the various health conditions that put you at higher risk at this website https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index/health-risks.html
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