Low to very high risk: a look at Canada’s air quality monitoring system

The air in fire-damaged Fort McMurray has scored 38 on the Air Quality Health Index, a scale used in Canada that ranges from 1 to 10. “In extreme conditions, it can generate results well over 10,” says Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Karen Grimsrud, adding the score was calculated from measurements of three pollutants — smoke, ozone and nitrogen dioxide.

Here’s a look at the scale’s categories:

1 to 3:

Low risk.Ideal air quality for outdoor activities.

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4 to 6:

Moderate risk.People can enjoy outdoor activities unless they experience coughing or throat irritation. Those who are most at-risk — children, the elderly and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions — should consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities if experiencing symptoms.

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7 to 10:

High risk.People should consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities if experiencing breathing problems. Those at risk should go ahead and reduce or reschedule such activities and take it easy.

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Higher than 10:

Very high risk.People should reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities, especially if experiencing symptoms. Those at risk should avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

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(Source: The Alberta government, Environment Canada)