Air pollution can negatively affect everyone, causing a variety of health risks to people, including general eye irritation, coughing and difficulty breathing. Those most sensitive to air pollution are children, seniors and people with diseases involving the heart or lungs.
When poor air quality is expected, which is indicated by high Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) levels, Environment Canada and Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change may jointly issue a Smog and Air Health Advisory (SAHA). The purpose of the SAHA is to advise people with breathing difficulties to take precautions and avoid spending time outside.
Ontario uses the AQHI to measure air quality in relation to people’s health. It uses a scale of one to ten - the higher the AQHI number, the greater the health risk and the need for people to take precautions.
When a SAHA is issued, you should reduce the time you spend outside or reschedule outdoor physical activities to times when pollution levels are lowest. You can also help reduce local air pollution by carpooling or taking public transit, not idling your car and avoid using gasoline powered outdoor equipment.
To check your local AQHI or sign up for air quality advisories, visit airqualityontario.com
For more information on the AQHI or outdoor air quality, please contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-252-9933 or visit york.ca/health