New index offers effective way for everyone to rate air quality
Posted Jul 8, 2010 By Ryland Coyne
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Tweet ThisEMC News - Gauging air quality in the National Capital Region is now as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Ottawa Public Health, in conjunction with Santé publique de l'Outaouais and the federal government, has launched a new health index officials hope helps everyone breathe a little easier day to day.
Known as the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), the scale of 1 to 10 is designed to assist residents in determining whether it's a good day for outdoor activity or if it might be better to stay inside.
"The numbering scale...is designed to be quite similar to the ultraviolet index which we have become quite used to over the last few years in Canada," said Dr. Isra Levy, Ottawa's medical officer of health at the June 2 launch in Nepean. "The greater the number,
the worse the air quality. And consequently, more precautions need to be taken by each of us to enjoy outdoor activities."
In explaining the new tool, Dr. Levy said the readings are based on levels of specific pollutants such as ground-level ozone, nitrogen dioxide or even dust/particulate matter, that are known to cause health problems.
"Whenever any one of these pollutants becomes more concentrated in the air, the health index rises," he told the crowd gathered outside at Minto Field.
Assisted by a group of students from nearby Manordale Public School who are involved in their school's environment club and members of the Nepean Seniors Centre walking club, Dr. Levy noted numbers 1-3 indicate ideal conditions.
"The words to remember are 'Breathe with Ease'. Here we have ideal air quality for everyone to enjoy outdoor activity," he said as the students and seniors held up numbered cards in the air.
As the numbers climb, however, a greater level of awareness is needed, particularly from those who suffer from chronic lung disease, heart disease or other illnesses including diabetes.
"When it's 4, 5 or 6, those at risk...should consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activity if you're experiencing any symptoms," he said.
As the number approaches 10, the recommendation to avoid the outdoors becomes stronger.
"Then, when it's 10 or more, which hopefully will happen exceedingly rarely, be active but be active indoors. That's really the time to stay inside until the air quality improves," he said.
The new scale may seem simple enough, but there's plenty of science behind the concept, Dr. Levy
explained.
"This new air quality index reflects scientific evidence in a better way than any of the previous indexes have really done in terms of helping us understand the negative health impacts that can occur at low air quality.
"Throughout the year we can take note of the air quality index and especially if your health conditions make you vulnerable to changes in air quality."
In addition to launching the new scale, OPH has also embarked on a pilot project that will see anyone who wants it receive an automated phone alert anytime the index is expected to climb to 6 or above. To register, log on to www.airhealth.ca or call the toll-free number at 1-866-688-3810.
"If the air quality index exceeds 6, you'll get an automatic voice connection through the system to tell you what the air quality is and to advise you of what sorts of measures you can take to protect your own health," Dr. Levy said.
JOINT PROGRAM
The AQHI is a joint program with the Gatineau health unit, something Mayor Larry O'Brien said only makes sense.
"Our communities, Gatineau and Ottawa, share much... but most importantly we all breathe the same air," Mr. O'Brien said.
While the city offers so many outdoor amenities including hiking and bike trails, scenic views and beaches, and residents are encouraged to get out and enjoy them, the index presents an effective means of communicating to the community when air pollution is high.
"Poor air quality affects us all," the mayor said. "Just this week (May 31)...a poor air quality advisory was due on that day because of the forest fires in Quebec. And that certainly highlights just how important air quality is to our health, and how important it is that we have a method for messaging the quality of our air to our residents."
With air pollution responsible for more than 20,000 deaths in Canada and more than 620,000 physician visits each year, the human impact is staggering, Levy said.
People within the National Capital Region need the best possible information "so that we can act in a way that helps protect ourselves and those in our care.
"The index takes personal health risk factors into account and it provides helpful tips to make the right decision for individuals on whether and how much each of us as individuals should be physically active outdoors or indoors."
For more information, visit www.ottawa.ca/health.
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