Outdoor air quality
Air pollution is a significant public health concern. The Government of Canada estimates that 14,400 premature deaths per year in Canada can be linked to air pollution. Exposure to air pollution affects everyone, especially those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions. It can also increase the risk of stroke.
Protect yourself by planning outdoor activities during times when air quality is good.
Follow your local air quality forecasts through the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).
| What is the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)? | ||||||||||||||||||||
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The AQHI is a tool that helps us understand our local air quality and what it means to our health. It measures common air pollutants known to cause health problems and provides a AQHI rating from 1 to 10, depending on the potential health risk of the air pollution level. The higher the AQHI, the greater the health risk. |
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How can I use the AQHI? |
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Before heading outdoors, check your local AQHI forecast.
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| AQHI and health messages | ||||||||||||||||||||
*Only worry if you have symptoms like coughing and throat irritation. |
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| Air quality alerts | ||||||||||||||||||||
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The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Environment and Climate Change Canada, provide AQHI forecasts for the Province of Ontario. Special Air Quality Statements and Smog and Air Health Advisories are issued jointly.
Subscribe to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks air quality alerts. Resources |
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| What can I do to help improve air quality? | ||||||||||||||||||||
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The 20/20 Planner - A practical guide to cutting energy use at home and on the road by 20 per cent |
Indoor air quality
On average, Canadians spend 90 per cent of their time indoors. This is why maintaining good indoor air quality is so important for maintaining good health. Many factors can impact indoor air quality including mould, excess moisture and fuel-burning appliances, as well as activities such as smoking indoors and idling vehicles in attached garages.
The best way to improve indoor air quality is to remove or reduce indoor air pollutants at the source.
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Indoor air quality resources |
Radon
Radon gas is a product of uranium breaking down in soil and rock. Radon gas can enter a building structure through openings such as cracks in the foundations, construction joints, gaps around pipes, sump pumps and drains. In indoor air, radon gas can build up to levels that can pose a health risk. In outdoor air, it is diluted to levels that do not pose a health concern.
According to the Ontario Lung Association, more people die from radon gas in this country than from car accidents. It is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in Ontario.
| Radon testing |
Radon is easy to test for and kits are available online and in stores. To get a more accurate picture of radon levels in your home, test for a minimum of three months over the winter, when you are less likely to have open windows. |
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