Government of New Brunswick

Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)

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Clean air is important to all New Brunswickers and Canadians alike.  Air pollution sends thousands of Canadians to hospital each year and results in many premature deaths.

In order to help New Brunswickers understand how air quality can affect their health, the Department of Health is working with NB Department of Environment, Environment Canada (EC) and Health Canada (HC) along with other partners such as the New Brunswick Lung Association to introduce the Air Quality Health Index.

What is the AQHI?

  • A simple scale that measures the health risk associated with local air quality conditions
  • Helps individuals make decisions to protect their health by providing information on the level of risk associated with pollution levels
  • Allows individuals to plan and enjoy outdoor activities at times when the health risk is low
  • The AQHI is calculated based on the relative risks of a combination of common air pollutants which are known to harm human health.  These pollutants include: Ozone (O3) at ground level, Particulate Matter (PM2.5/PM10) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).

How does the AQHI work?

  • The AQHI is measured on a coloured scale of 1 to 10+
  • The higher the value, the greater the health risk and hence the greater the need to take precautions
  • The AQHI provides different messages to those who are more sensitive to air pollution than the general population
Health Risk AQHI Health Messages
At Risk Population* General Population
Low 1 - 3 Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.

Ideal air quality for outdoor activities.
 Moderate 4 - 6 Consider reducing or rescheduling 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 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 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.

* children, the elderly, people with pre-existing heart and breathing problems and people participating in sports or strenuous work outdoors

How can I reduce my personal contribution to air pollution?

  • Reduce home energy use
  • Maintain your gas powered equipment and vehicles in good working order
  • Reduce vehicle use, support public transportation
  • Never burn garbage and products such as painted or pressure treated wood and plastics that contain toxic chemicals which can end up in the lungs.
  • If you choose to use a wood stove as a heat source use a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified stove to improve combustion and reduce emissions.
  • Keep fires small and hot. Smouldering fires create more smoke.
  • Spread the word!

Where can I find the AQHI?

Individuals can check the AQHI on a regular basis to find out how they can best be protected from air pollution. Visit Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) website.

Health precautions for wildfire smoke

Residents are reminded to take precautions when heavy smoke affects air quality. Infants, children, pregnant women, older adults, smokers and people with chronic heart or lung diseases should stay indoors to reduce their exposure to the outdoor air. Minor smoke conditions do not typically cause health concerns in most healthy individuals. However, if smoke conditions become more severe, people may experience irritation of the eyes, throat and possibly shortness of breath. Individuals should adapt their activities as necessary.

People experiencing difficulty breathing or chest discomfort should consult their physician or contact Tele-Care 811. People in severe distress should always call 911 immediately.

Public Health officials also recommend that residents follow these guidelines if they can taste or smell smoke in the air:

  • Be aware of your symptoms.
  • Reduce levels of physical activity as necessary.

Inside your home:

  • Keep windows closed
  • Turn air exchangers off.

During Heat Alerts

(During Heat Alert events, consider going to public spaces that have air conditioning and filtered air if they don't have air conditioning at home and it's too warm to stay inside with the windows closed (i.e. library, community centre, mall, church,).

At times, communities may open Comfort centres where you can cool off.

  • Remember to avoid using the stove for cooking a meal as it will warm your home. You can also take cool showers or baths to refresh.

Concerns

Wildfire smoke can be concerning for people. We recommend that New Brunswickers keep informed and follow guidance and updates from trusted sources like NBEMO, DNR, and local officials like municipalities and fire departments. Up-to-date information is provided at www.gnb.ca/firewatch

And as always, if you find yourself struggling with concerns about the situation, do reach out to friends and neighbours.

And if you do know someone who may be on their own or otherwise isolated, reach out to them. Knowing that you have a friend or neighbour to talk to in stressful times can have a huge impact.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, call the New Brunswick Addiction and Mental Health Helpline 1-866-355-5550 or call or text 211 or visit nb.211.ca.

Individuals with respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, and those with existing cardiovascular conditions such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure, may be more likely to notice worsening of their symptoms. Public Health advises them to take the precautions and steps they normally do when experiencing a worsening of symptoms.