Safety Guide
Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality Guide: How to Interpret AQI/AQHI in Canada
A comprehensive safety guide on interpreting Canada's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and protecting your respiratory health during wildfire seasons.
Last Updated
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Written by WeatherCA Staff
What is the AQHI?
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a scale designed by Health Canada and Environment Canada to help you understand the impact of air quality on your health. Unlike older indices, it focuses specifically on the combined health risks of three major pollutants: ground-level ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is the primary danger in wildfire smoke.
The AQHI Scale
- 1 to 3 (Low Risk): Ideal air quality for outdoor activities.
- 4 to 6 (Moderate Risk): General population does not need to modify behavior, but at-risk individuals (asthmatics, elderly, children) should consider reducing strenuous outdoor activities.
- 7 to 10 (High Risk): At-risk individuals should avoid strenuous outdoor activities. The general public should reduce outdoor exertion if experiencing symptoms like coughing.
- 10+ (Very High Risk): Avoid outdoor physical activity. Keep windows closed and run HEPA air purifiers indoors.
