Air pollution

Climate warming is causing the Earth to experience more extreme weather (e.g., heat waves and drought) which can negatively impact air quality. When air quality is good, air is clean and contains only small amounts of solid particles and chemical pollutants. Poor air quality, which contains high levels of pollutants, is often hazy and dangerous to health and the environment. Air pollution can cause short-term health effects in people with heart disease or breathing problems, such as asthma.

Southeast Public Health:

• Promotes active transportation with individuals, community partners, and local governments.
• Monitors air quality index.

The Air Quality Health Index is a scale designed to help you understand what the air quality around you means to your health, Air Quality Health Index monitors air pollutants and grades them on a scale from 1 to 10+. The higher the number the more likely you are to experience symptoms associated with poor air quality. Air Quality Health Index can help you make an informed decision on when to schedule outdoor activities.

To learn more about the Air Quality Health Index, please visit Health Canada.

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks provides the latest local air quality forecasts and information.