Air Quality Index Map Ontario

Air Quality Index (AQI): A Detailed Guide

What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an easy-to-understand tool that provides information about the quality of the air around us.

The AQI is divided into six categories:

• Good
• Moderate
• Unhealthy for sensitive groups
• Unhealthy
li>Very unhealthy
• Hazardous

The AQI is calculated based on the levels of five major air pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

Who is most at risk from air pollution?

Certain groups of people are more at risk from the adverse effects of air pollution, including:

• Children
• Older adults
• People with heart or lung conditions
• People who spend a lot of time outdoors

What are the health effects of air pollution?

Exposure to air pollution can lead to a wide range of health problems, including:

• Respiratory problems (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer)
• Cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart disease, stroke)
• Neurological problems (e.g., headaches, dizziness, memory loss)
• Cancer (e.g., lung cancer, leukemia)
• Reproductive problems (e.g., infertility, birth defects)

What can we do to improve air quality?

There are a number of things we can do to improve air quality, including:

• Reduce our reliance on fossil fuels
• Use more renewable energy sources
• Drive less and walk or bike more
• Use public transportation
• Conserve energy
• Reduce waste
• Plant trees

Conclusion

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an important tool that can help us understand the quality of the air around us and the potential health risks associated with air pollution. By taking steps to reduce air pollution, we can protect our health and the health of our communities.