The provincial government announced Wednesday a new air quality index meant to clear the air on when pollution could affect Albertans’ health.
The new index is a modified version of the federal government’s air quality health index (AQHI), which is used across the country.
Environment minister Rob Renner said the change will allow Albertans to tailor any outdoor exercises to the air conditions.
“It is important that Albertans all across the province have the very best air quality information possible when they engage in these activities.”
Chief medical officer Dr. Andre Corriveau said if people know the air quality is poor, they can plan to take it a little easier.
“This will be a way for people to better protect their own health to decide, for example, if today is a good day for a long run or better suited for a shorter walk.”
The index scores air quality on a scale of one to 10 with higher numbers corresponding to worse air quality. At the lower end people don’t have to make any significant changes to their routine. In the middle range people with respiratory conditions might need to curb their activities and at the higher end, most people should try and take it easy, while people with health concerns should try and stay inside.
The index is available online at www.airhealth.ca and there is also an iPhone app to access the information. Alberta was one of the last provinces to sign on to the federal index using its own system prior to this change.
Renner said the province has unique needs because of the scope of industry in the province and it took some time to come up with a hybrid between the two.
“What we have got here is the best of both worlds and that is why we are so excited today.
The index will now measure all of the pollutants that Alberta measured as well as those in the federal index.
Parliamentary secretary to the environment minister Michelle Rempelto said the new index would do an even better job of informing people about air quality.
“The new tool is more comprehensive, more useful and more empowering.”
Renner said the government is also working to actually improve air quality and this data will be helpful.
“As we get better at monitoring the results and ensure we have a robust monitoring system, that will also allow us to make appropriate policy decisions.”
The initial rollout will make the air quality index available in Fort McKay, Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary and Fort McMurray.
Renner said it might expand in future, but the existing system covers the areas where air quality is the biggest concern.
“The program as it is designed right now is to address areas that have either significant population base or a significant source of emissions.”
Warren Kindzierski, a professor of environmental health at the University of Alberta, said there is nothing wrong with the new index, but it is also not going to be a major change.
“It is a general measure so it is a bit challenging to read too much into an air quality index other than when the air quality is really poor.”
Kindzierski said air quality only becomes a major issue in Alberta during major forest fires. He said there are some urban air issues, but they rarely rise to the level major centres struggle with.
“Most people think the air quality is bad here, but truthfully when you look at it and compare it to the large urban areas, it is not.”
