The Province has updated its Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to give Albertans a more up-to-date and relevant system for users.
“Working together, Alberta and Canada have developed a tailor-made air quality reporting system for our province,” said Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner. “We’ve taken the federal government’s world-leading AQHI and made it even better for the needs of Albertans.”
The oil and gas sector will be the chief beneficiaries of the new system, which is said to read hydrogen sulphide and total reduced sulphur and provide Albertans notice when an odour is detected in an area. Reports will be updated every hour, each day.
In addition, Albertans will have access to air quality ratings for the current day as well as the next day.
“I am pleased that the Government of Alberta is adopting the Air Quality Health Index, to ensure that Albertans continue to breathe easy,” said Michelle Rempel, parliamentary secretary to the environment minister.
“This index allows Albertans to better understand the health risks associated with poor air quality. Our forecasts provide the basis for them to make informed choices about reducing those risks.”
The AQHI works on a scale from one to 10, where one is the lowest risk, to determine health hazards for the general population and for people with respiratory conditions.
“Information can be very powerful when it comes to your health,” said Dr. André Corriveau, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health. “Alberta enjoys good air quality most of the time, but it’s important that those who are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution have information at their fingertips to take precautions should air quality deteriorate.”
The AQHI is now available in more than 20 communities across Alberta. The forecast component will first be available in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Fort McKay and Fort McMurray, with the remaining communities added later this year and in early 2012.
For more information on the AQHI, visit www.airquality.alberta.ca
