Tree in the shape of lungs.

Air Quality

Home Health and Wellness Environment and Your HealthAir Quality

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)?

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.

How can I use the AQHI?

Before heading outdoors, check your local AQHI forecast.

Plan outdoor activities during times when the air quality is better.
If you or someone you know has health problems and is sensitive to air pollution, pay attention to the health messages for at risk population.

AQHI and health messages

AQHI and health messages
Health risk	Air Quality Health Index	Health messages for at risk population	Health messages for general population
Low	1-3	Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.	Ideal air quality for outdoor activities.
Moderate	4-6	Reduce or reschedule heavy activities outdoors. Only worry if you have symptoms.	No need to change your usual outdoor activities.*
High	7-10	Reduce or reschedule heavy activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should relax.	Reduce or reschedule heavy activities outdoors.*
Very High	Above 10	Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should stay indoors.	Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors.*

*Only worry if you have symptoms like coughing and throat irritation.

Air quality alerts

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.

Special Air Quality Statement (SAQS) are issued when the air quality is forecast to be high risk for one to two hours.
Smog and Air Health Advisory (SAHA) are issued when the air quality is forecast to be high risk for three hours or more.

Subscribe to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks air quality alerts.

Outdoor air quality resources

Resources

What can I do to help improve air quality?

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.

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.

Facts about radon.

What is radon?

Health Canada information

Radon testing

It is important for every homeowner to test their home for radon, regardless of where they live. Radon levels can vary, even between homes on the same street. Since radon has no colour, odour, or taste, the only way to know your exposure level is to test for radon.

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.

Learn more about radon testing.

Buy an approved radon test kit online.