Where to Find It
To access the AQHI for Nova Scotia, visit www.airhealth.ca and click on the menu item, "Your Local AQHI conditions". Click on your nearest community to get information on the current and forecast AQHI levels.
You can also access the AQHI for your community at Environment Canada's Weather Office website: www.weatheroffice.gc.ca
Please Note: the AQHI is currently measured for:
- Halifax Regional Municipality
- Sydney
- Kentville
- Greenwood
- Pictou
- Port Hawkesbury
Please visit "The AQHI in Nova Scotia" for more information.
Reading the AQHI Scale
The AQHI gives you four pieces of information:
- A number from 1 to 10+. The higher the number, the greater the health risk. A very high risk is reported as 10+
- A category that describes the level of health risk associated with the index reading: low, moderate, high, or very high
- Two health messages for each category-one for the general population and one for the at risk population
- A current AQHI reading-updated each hour-and the maximum forecasted values for the following day
A guide on how to use the AQHI, is now available.
The following is the AQHI scale from 1 to 10+. Corresponding health risk categories are listed below:
Nova Scotia is most often in the low risk category of 1 to 3.
Health Messages
The table below provides health messages associated with each number (1-10+) on the AQHI scale for both the general population and those at higher risk to air pollution. The numbers on the scale are grouped into categories according to the level of health risk-low, moderate, high, or very high:
| Health Risk | AQHI | At Risk Population | General Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | 1 - 3 | Enjoy your usual outdoor activities. | Ideal air quality for outdoor activities. |
| Moderate Risk | 4 - 6 | Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms. | No need to modify your usual outdoor activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. |
| High Risk | 7 - 10 | Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy. | Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. |
| Very High Risk | Above 10 | Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion. | Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. |