Air quality health index or AQHI is an initiative by the
government of Canada and a few regions within Canada. It is calculated using the amount of
harmful chemicals like ozone, fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide present in air. People
can use the value of AQHI to plan their outdoor activities and ensure that they are least
affected by air pollution.
AQHI values of 1 to 3 present a very low
health risk and are ideal for outdoor activities by people. Levels of 4 to 6 present a moderate
health risk and people who have health problems should consider avoiding outdoor physical
activity. Levels of 7 to 10 present a high health risk and everyone is generally told to avoid
physical activity outdoors. Levels above 10 present a serious health risk and all ways to avoid
physical activity outdoors should be used.
As physical activity is
associated with higher rates of breathing, the AQHI is an important tool that can be used by
people to ensure that they breathe in the minimum possible amount of air
pollutants.
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