Development of the new AQHI

The process of revamping the existing Air Quality Index (AQI) was initiated in 2001 by the Government of Canada and a variety of stakeholders, including provincial and municipal governments, health and environmental non-government stakeholders and the media, to address the short-comings of the current AQI with a specific focus on making it more health-based.

The scientific foundation for the new Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is based on epidemiological research undertaken by Health Canada which estimates the short-term relative risks posed by a combination of common air pollutants which are known to harm human health.  The new AQHI focuses on pollutants that can be measured and controlled and provides health messages which provide actions that individuals and caretakers can take to limit short-term exposure to air pollution. 

This will be the first Air Quality Health Index in Canada that is based on the combined health impact of common air pollutants.

For more information on the development of the new AQHI, please see Health Canada – A Health-Based National Air Quality Index.