How does the Air Quality Health Index work?
The Air Quality Health Index is measured on a coloured scale of 1 to 10+. The higher the reading, the greater the health risk and hence the greater the need to take precautions. One important feature of the Air Quality Health Index is its ability to enable individuals to assess their own health risk based on symptoms they experience, even if they have no known health problems. Once individuals learn what Index reading triggers their own symptoms, they can use the Index forecasts to plan their outdoor activities. The Air Quality Health Index provides different messages to those who are more sensitive to air pollution than to the general population. The Index enables everyone to take the appropriate actions to protect their health. Individuals can check the Air Quality Health Index on a regular basis to find out how they can best be protected from air pollution.
