Why is this important?
Outdoor air quality can impact children’s health. Infants and young children are at higher risk of health problems when exposed to air pollution. Being aware of day-to-day air quality conditions and tailoring activities accordingly can help reduce children’s exposure to air pollution. The Air Quality Health Index or "AQHI" is a scale designed to help you understand what the air quality around you means to your health. It also provides advice on how you can improve the quality of the air you breathe.
What actions can we take?
- Schedule and tailor children’s activities according to the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and
- check the AQHI and your local weather forecast on Environment Canada’s website.
- Consider getting the WeatherCAN App.
- Schedule and tailor children’s activities according to smog and forest fire alerts. Visit the Government of Canada forest fire alerts webpage to see what is happening in your local region.
- Schedule and tailor children’s activities according to extreme heat and cold alerts. Visit the Government of Canada extreme heat and cold alerts webpage to see what is happening in your local region.