HORNEPAYNE— Knowing how to read an air quality index is the best way to gauge how the air will affect your health and the health of the ones you love.
That is the clear message that Porcupine Health Unit wishes to convey to the public. They want you to know the difference between low, medium and high-risk air quality.
They explained air quality in terms of an index so for example if the index is at 7 today, would you know what to do? Knowing how to read an air quality index is the best way in their view to judge how the air will affect your health and the health of those you love.
The health unit gave the example of what to do when the air quality is a level that may pose high risk. They suggest you may want to consider rescheduling outdoor activities for another day, especially if you are pregnant or have young children.
Air quality index in measured in numbers listed in terms of whether it is low-medium-high-or very high risk. For example:
- If the index range is from one to three, the risk is low you can enjoy your usual outdoor activities.
- If the index range is from four to six, the risk is medium and most will not have to modify their activities.
- If the index range is from seven to ten, the risk is high and most should consider rescheduling and reducing outdoor activities.
- If the index range is above ten, the risk is very high and most people should avoid any strenuous outdoor activity.
For more information on the air quality index and air quality in your area, visit the Health Canada air quality page.
