Air Quality

The quality of the air we breathe can affect our health. Air pollution is made up of gases, liquids, and particles that can be harmful to humans and the environment. Pollutants come from a wide range of sources, including vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, energy generation, home and building heating, wood burning, and construction dust. Most of the air pollution we live with on a day-to-day basis is created by vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions. Several sources of air pollution also generate greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

Smog, the grey-brown haze that sometimes occurs on hot days, is a term to describe air pollution. It is formed when air pollution mixes with dust, sunlight, and heat. 

Health Effects of Air Pollution

Air quality has a direct impact on our health. The impact of air pollution and smog will vary depending on factors such as:

  • The concentration of pollutants
  • The frequency and duration of exposure
  • A person's age and general health status

Poor air quality can:

  • Cause difficulty breathing (coughing and wheezing)
  • Irritate eyes, nose and throat
  • Aggravate existing medical conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and angina

People with existing heart and lung conditions, older adults, and children are at higher risk for negative health effects. These may also occur in healthy people, particularly those who work and exercise outdoors.
Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a scale to help you understand the impact of air quality on your health. 

The AQHI measures air quality on a scale from 1 to 10 as well as assigns categories (low, moderate, high, or very high) for the associated health risk.

 

Air Quality Health Index Health Risk Level General Population At Risk Population*
1-3 Low Ideal air quality for outdoor activities Enjoy your usual outdoor activities
4-6 Moderate No need to modify your usual outdoor activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms.
7-10 High Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy.
Above 10 Very High Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion. Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion.

 *People with heart or breathing problems are at greater risk. Follow your doctor's advice about exercising and managing your condition.

To monitor the day-to-day AQHI for Waterloo Region, visit Kitchener Air Quality Health Index.

For custom AQHI notifications to your phone, download the mobile app from Environment and Climate Change Canada, WeatherCAN - Canada.ca


WeatherCAN: How to set up custom notifications - Canada.ca
Air Quality Advisories 

Environment and Climate Change Canada and Air Quality Ontario, issue air quality messages to encourage the public to protect their health as it relates to air pollution. These messages are based on the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) forecasts and observations.

A Special Air Quality Statement (SAQS) is issued when the AQHI is expected to be high risk level (7 or higher).

An Air Quality Advisory (AQA) is issued when the AQHI is expected to reach, or has reached, a very high risk level (10 or higher), due to wildfire smoke. 

Wildfire Smoke

Wildfires are not common in Waterloo Region, but smoke from wildfires in other areas can affect local air quality. With climate change, wildfires may become more frequent in Canada. This will affect the local air quality more often.

  • Air quality from wildfire smoke can change throughout the day. Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and monitor your symptoms.
  • People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears. Mild symptoms include eye and throat irritation, cough, runny nose and headaches. Drinking water can help your body cope with the smoke.
  • More severe symptoms include dizziness, heart palpitations, chest pains, wheezing and difficulty breathing. People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, infants and children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.
  • Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Contact your health care provider if you develop severe symptoms.

Protect your health by reducing your exposure to wildfire smoke if local air quality is affected.

Additional resources
Protecting Yourself

You can protect yourself when air quality is low by:

  • Checking your local air quality forecast or daily air quality health index (AQHI)
  • Avoiding or reducing the amount of time spent outside, especially during the late afternoon
  • Avoiding or reducing exercise near busy streets
  • Staying indoors in a cool environment if possible

Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital if you experience significant breathing problems.

You can improve air quality in your community if you:

  • Choose active transportation, carpooling or transit
  • Walk your children to school instead of driving
  • Turn lights off when not in use
  • Avoid drive-thrus to prevent idling
  • Reduce wood fires, do not burn leaves or trash
Additional Resources

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