Air Quality Health Index Pilot Project Up and Running

Friday, August 18, 2006 04:16 PM

This graph from the "air Play" website shows recent Air Quality Health Index for Prince George

Prince George is one of 14 B.C. communities taking part in the Air Quality Health Index pilot program.

This new index is a first in Canada, as it is the only one which is based on the combined impact of common pollutants. The ratings are based on three hour averages, as opposed to the 24 hour averages used to produce the current air quality index.

The air quality ratings are presented much in the same way the UV index is presented. The UV index is linked to risk of sunburn if exposed for a certain period of time. The Air Quality Health index reflects risk to health and your outdoor activities.

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is posted on the "airplay" website http://www.airplaytoday.org/aqhiaqi.htm

The AGHI measures four components to make an assessment on the risk the current air conditions pose to a persons health if they are engaged in outdoor activities.

Ozone at ground level
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

So for Prince George, it is possible the AQHI may be low, even though the current Air Quality Index shows areas of concern.

Those who developed the new index say the two systems were developed to show different results and should not be compared. The new Index is meant to assess danger of risk to health, and the risks may be more sensitive to some pollutants than others.

On the plus side, the new Index is easy to understand and user friendly. People are already familiar with the UV Index, and the new system is similar in its message.

Here is how the information will be displayed on the airplaytoday.org website:

Current
Aug 18, 2006
03:00 pm PDT

3	Low Health Risk

	At Risk Population:
•	Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.

•	Follow your doctor’s advice for exercise.


	General Population:
•	Ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as sports, biking or walking.

Forecast	Today	Tomorrow
	Low Health Risk 2	Low Health Risk 3

Who is at risk?

People with heart or lung conditions are the most affected by air pollution.

For further information on the impact of air quality on your health consult your local Public Health Unit office, talk to your physician or visit the BC Health Guide (www.bchealthguide.org).

Did you know...

People with breathing or heart problems should always pay attention to symptoms, even at low index levels.

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 04:16 PM in Health by 250 News

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: owl on August 18 2006 7:18 PM

I wonder why we haven't heard about this in the other media. This is site is just too much on the ball.

Keep up the good work!

Posted by: kimbo on August 19 2006 9:44 AM

Looks much better when you throw the whole business in a bag and and shake it all up. We will no longer see those poor air quality readings like yesterday when the particulate reading at the BCR site was poor.

I think its a snow job.

Cheers

Posted by: Chester on August 19 2006 8:49 PM

And where are these readings coming from? The Airport? The Bowl? College Heights? Hart Highlands? Forman Flats? How about City Hall or Fort George Park? Chester

Posted by: owl on August 21 2006 11:27 PM

They are from Plaza 400 rooftop on the 4th avenue side.