Outdoor Air Quality

The design of our communities can impact the amount of outdoor air pollution in the air we breathe. In communities where homes are located far from schools, jobs and shopping, people must drive more often and for longer distances to get to where they need to go. This contributes to more vehicle emissions in the air, which results in more outdoor air pollution. Vehicle emissions from driving; from idling on city streets, in parking lots and while waiting at drive-thrus; and from the number and location of industries and high traffic corridors in an area can also affect the level of air pollution in a community.

When we design and plan our communities, we need to carefully consider the location of homes, schools, child care centres, retirement homes and long-term care facilities in relation to high traffic corridors and other areas where there may be higher levels of air pollution.

We also need to be aware of how our day-to-day actions can help reduce air pollution. For example, choosing to walk, cycle or take public transit instead of driving reduces air pollution. If you have to drive, avoid idling your engine to reduce emissions and save you on fuel costs. For more ideas on how you can make a difference and improve air quality see the resources below.

York Region works to improve air quality and reduce exposure to air pollution by:

• Promoting outdoor air quality awareness
• Working with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and other agencies to respond to outdoor air quality complaints
• Contributing to research on ways to reduce exposure to traffic-related air pollution
• Working with transportation, community planning and forestry partners to develop healthy public policy relating to the built and natural environment
• Implementing the actions outlined in the Regional Climate Change Action Plan

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) helps people understand how the quality of the air can affect their health. It was developed jointly by Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada and is in use across Canada. 

The AQHI provides real-time measurement of air-pollution levels for York Region and recommendations on how people can limit their exposure and adjust their activity level during times of high air pollution.

The AQHI is especially helpful to those who are at-risk or sensitive to air pollution and provides them with suggestions on how they can protect their health when poor air quality levels may pose low, moderate, high and very high health risks.

What does the Air Quality Health Index measure?

The AQHI measures three common air pollutants known to impact human health:

• Ground level ozone (O₃)
• Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5)
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)

How does the AQHI work?

The AQHI uses a simple scale from one to 10+ to communicate the level of risk associated with the local air quality. The higher the number is, the higher the health risk and the greater the need for people to take precautions.

The AQHI also provides health messaging tailored towards both high risk individuals and the general public and provides recommendations on how people can improve the quality of the air they breathe. The messaging is intended to provide suggestions on how individuals may choose to adjust their activity levels depending on individual health risk from air pollution.

Air Quality Health Index categories

1 to 3 = ‘Low’ health risk
4 to 6 = ‘Moderate’ health risk
7 to 10 = ‘High’ health risk
Above 10 = ‘Very high’ health risk

How often should I check the AQHI?

You can check the Air Quality Health Index daily to receive real-time air quality levels and forecasts to help plan your outdoor activities. When checking the AQHI, the closest air monitoring stations for York Region are Newmarket and/or Toronto North

Sign up for air quality alerts by visiting airqualityontario.com and check out the national AQHI website to learn more about this important tool. You can also get AQHI readings by calling 1-800-387-7768 (toll-free) or 416-246-0411 in Toronto. To obtain AQHI readings in French, dial 1-800-221-8852. 

Download the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) WeatherCAN app on your phone and check the AQHI before your next outdoor activity. WeatherCAN is available for Android and Apple Devices.

What do the Numbers Mean?

Health Risk	Air Quality Health Index	Health Messages for At Risk Population	Health Messages for General Population
Low Risk	1-3	Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.	Ideal air quality for outdoor activities.
Moderate Risk	4-6	Consider reducing or re-scheduling outdoor activities, 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 re-schedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy.	Consider reducing or re-scheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
Very High Risk	10+	Avoid outdoor activities. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion.	Reduce or re-schedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

Learn more about the Air Quality Health Index and the WeatherCAN app

• Understanding the Air Quality Health Index – Health Canada
• Canada’s weather app - WeatherCAN

Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) jointly issue the following air quality alerts:

• Special Air Quality Statement (SAQS) is issued when the Air Quality Health Index is forecast to reach the high risk category (AQHI of 7 or greater)
• Air Quality Advisory (AQA) is issued when the AQHI is forecast to reach, or has reached, the very high-risk category (AQHI of 10+) due to wildfire smoke

The purpose of air quality alerts is to advise people when they should take precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure to air pollution. They also help guide industries and the public on what steps they can take to reduce their emissions.

To protect your health from outdoor air pollution, consider the following:

• Take precautions to protect your health when the AQHI is forecast to reach the high-risk category. If necessary, limit outdoor activity and strenuous outdoor activities. High-risk individuals should consider re-scheduling or limiting strenuous outdoor activities, or consider staying indoors and keeping the windows and doors closed. Reduce or stop outdoor activities if you are experiencing symptoms and contact your health care provider if you develop severe symptoms or need advice
• Check your local weather forecasts and the Air Quality Health Index before planning outdoor activities. Download the Environment and Climate Change Canada WeatherCAN app on your phone and check the AQHI in your area
• Plan to exercise outdoors when air pollution is low. People who exercise or work outdoors are at increased risk to the health effects posed by air pollution. Be air aware and know the best times to be active outdoors by using the AQHI to plan your day
• Limit exposure to air pollution by avoiding source emissions, where possible, such as on busy roads or heavy traffic areas
• Eliminate indoor air pollution sources such as tobacco smoke. Consider replacing your furnace/central air filters every 3 months, if feasible. Avoid using chemical-based products in your home that can affect indoor air quality. Visit our Indoor Air Quality page for more information
• Do your part to reduce air pollution by using transit or carpooling and reducing your energy use. Consider turning air conditioners to a higher temperature and turning off lights, computers, and other electrical appliances when not in use
• Sign up for air quality alerts by visiting airqualityontario.com/alerts/signup.php

What You Need to Know

• Wildfire smoke is made up of a mixture of gases and very small particles that are produced when wood and other organic matter burn and may lead to poor air quality. The plume from wildfire smoke is influenced by many factors including weather conditions. It can change over short distances and can vary from hour to hour
• The small particles in wildfire smoke are of greatest health concern and can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low levels as they can penetrate deep into the lungs
• Wildfire exposure symptoms can range from milder symptoms like headaches, eye and throat irritation, cough, runny nose to more serious symptoms like difficulty breathing, wheezing, heart palpitations, dizziness or chest pain
• People at higher risk to health effects caused by wildfire smoke include: children, seniors, pregnant women, people who smoke, people who work outdoors, indigenous peoples, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise, people living in situations of lower socio-economic status, and those who have underlying medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease, diabetes or cancer
• Exposure to wildfire smoke is associated with worsening existing heart or lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and congestive heart failure. Wildfires may also impact mental health, especially for individuals in closer proximity to a wildfire
• If you have any serious symptoms, talk to a healthcare professional or seek urgent medical attention. For any health-related concerns, including mental health concerns, call Ontario Health at 811 or 1-866-797-0007. Residents with asthma or other chronic illness should activate their asthma or personal care plan
• Residents are encouraged to check in on people in your care and those around you who may be more at risk of negative effects from outdoor air pollution
• Pay attention to local air quality reports; air quality may be poor even though smoke may not be visible. Air Quality Health Index levels and forecasts are posted at airhealth.ca. Readings are updated hourly and forecasts are updated twice a day
• During wildfire smoke events and poor air quality episodes, York Region Public Health monitors wildfire smoke conditions, the Air Quality Health Index and Air Quality Alerts (e.g., Special Air Quality Statements and Air Quality Advisories) from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks

To protect your health from wildfire smoke, consider the following

• Limiting or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities if experiencing symptoms such as coughing, eye and throat irritation
• Staying indoors and preventing wildfire smoke from entering your home by keeping doors, windows and fire dampers closed as a precaution if the temperature in your home is comfortable
• Using exhaust fans only when needed and minimizing activities that generate pollutants in your home like cooking, smoking, and the use of candles or strong cleaning products
• Using the best air quality filter that your ventilation system can handle (if you have an HVAC system in your home), based on manufacturer’s recommendations and setting the fan to recirculate the air
• Purchasing a portable air purifier with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter to filter particles that is suitable for the size of the room. Refer to Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Using an Air Purifier to Filter Wildfire Smoke factsheet
• Reducing sources of indoor air pollutants and protecting your indoor air from wildfire smoke infiltration
• When in your car and driving through areas with poor air quality, consider keeping the windows closed and recirculating the air

High risk individuals who must spend time outdoors may want to consider wearing a well-fitted respirator type mask such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and your face. These respirator type masks may help reduce your exposure to fine particles, but do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. They should not be used by children under 2 years of age, individuals who have trouble breathing while wearing respirators or individuals who have difficulty removing the respirator. Be sure to practice proper hand hygiene when putting on and removing a mask, either by washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub.

If you don’t have air conditioning, consider taking a break from the smoke by temporarily relocating or finding a place in your community with clean, cool air such as a library, shopping mall or community centre. Visit york.ca/extremeheat for more information on ways to stay safe in the heat.