History of the Air Quality Health Index

The process of revamping of 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-governmental 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 know to harm human health.  The new AQHI focuses on pollutants that can be measured and controlled and provides health messages which provide action that individuals and care-takers 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. The challenges of the undertaking are significant, as are the benefits.