Your Community’s Air Quality — Made Simple

Check the air before you head out. Understand the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and what it means for you and your family.

Understand the AQHI

What is the AQHI?

The AQHI provides a simple way to understand how outdoor air quality can impact your health. It assigns a number and health risk category based on current air conditions in your community.

Across the Parkland Airshed and Canada-wide, the AQHI helps residents, businesses, schools, and local governments make informed choices to reduce exposure when air quality changes.

How is the AQHI measured?

The AQHI uses a scale from 1 to 10+ to communicate health risk:

  • 1–3: Low Risk

  • 4–6: Moderate Risk

  • 7–10: High Risk

  • 10+: Very High Risk

Each level indicates the potential impact of air pollution on your health and can help guide decisions about outdoor activities.

 

What Affects Air Quality?

Air quality can change due to many factors, including:

  • Wildfire smoke

  • Vehicle emissions

  • Industrial pollution

  • Weather patterns

  • Dust and pollen

These conditions can cause AQHI levels to change throughout the day.

Who Should Pay Attention?

While everyone should be aware of air quality, some groups are more sensitive to air pollution, including:

  • Children

  • Seniors

  • People with asthma or lung disease

  • People with heart conditions

  • Pregnant individuals

  • Anyone who works or exercises outdoors

Tips to Protect Your Health

When AQHI levels rise:

  • Reduce strenuous outdoor activities

  • Move exercise indoors

  • Keep windows closed if outdoor air quality is poor

  • Use HEPA filtration if available

  • Follow local air quality advisories

💡 Tip: Even if you feel healthy, poor air quality can still affect your lungs and heart over time. Checking the AQHI is a simple way to stay informed.