Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
- check current air quality conditions
- understand AQHI risk levels
- learn what actions to take when air quality changes
- find local air quality information and forecasts
Check current air quality conditions
Use the air quality information below to view current conditions in your community.
Understand AQHI risk levels
The AQHI uses a scale from 1 to 10+ to describe the health risks associated with outdoor air quality. Higher AQHI values indicate greater health risk.
AQHI values are grouped into four health risk categories:
- Low Risk (1 to 3)
- Moderate Risk (4 to 6)
- High Risk (7 to 10)
- Very High Risk (10+)
The AQHI provides:
- a health risk rating
- recommended actions based on risk level
- health guidance for people at higher risk and the general population
- current and forecast air quality conditions
Follow AQHI health guidance
| AQHI | Health Risk | People at higher risk | General population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Low | Enjoy your usual outdoor activities. | Ideal air quality for outdoor activities. |
| 4 to 6 | Moderate | Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities if you experience symptoms. | No changes are necessary unless you experience symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation. |
| 7 to 10 | High | Reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities. Children and older adults should take it easy outdoors. | Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities if you experience symptoms. |
| 10+ | Very High | Avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Children and older adults should avoid outdoor physical exertion. | Reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities, especially if you experience symptoms. |
Find out if you are at higher risk
Poor air quality can affect anyone, but some people are more likely to experience health effects.
These groups include:
- Elders and seniors
- pregnant people
- infants and young children
- people living with a chronic medical conditions
- people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity
- people who regularly participate in strenuous outdoor activities
- people who work outdoors
Health conditions that may increase risk include:
- heart disease
- lung disease
- asthma
- diabetes
- cancer
- mental illness
Change your activities when air quality is poor
When AQHI levels increase, consider:
- reducing strenuous outdoor activities
- moving activities indoors
- rescheduling outdoor recreation
- spending time in a cleaner air space
- monitoring symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath
Examples of strenuous outdoor activities include:
- running
- cycling
- hiking
- sports
- heavy yard work
- physically demanding outdoor work
Find local air quality information
The Government of the Northwest Territories monitors air quality across the NWT as part of the National Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) Network.
Air quality monitoring stations are located in:
- Fort Simpson
- Fort Smith
- Inuvik
- Norman Wells
- Yellowknife
If your community does not have a monitoring station, use the PurpleAir map and local weather information to help monitor current air quality conditions.
If you believe your community is experiencing poor air quality and local information is unavailable, contact:
Get help if you are feeling unwell
Symptoms related to poor air quality may include:
- coughing
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- chest discomfort
- headaches
- irritated eyes or throat
If you experience severe symptoms, call 8-1-1 or contact your local health centre.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room or health centre.