Province introduces air quality forecasts, increased monitoring

The province has adopted a new federal air quality monitoring system to help Albertans decide whether being outside could be a health risk.

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is an upgrade to what the province already used for monitoring air quality levels. The new format integrates a forecast option that provides Albertans with data on anticipated air quality for the current day, night and the following day.

"What (the old system) didn’t have was the forecasting capacity, or the user friendly approach that the federal system has, the scale from one to 10 which makes it easier for people to understand," said Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner

Alberta’s former Air Quality Index was already monitoring two components unique to the province’s oil and gas industry not measured by the federal system, and will continue to do so, while also adding two other components. Data is reported on an hourly basis.

Air quality issues most often pose a threat to people with respiratory conditions, though in extreme cases can impact the general population.

The AQHI forecast component is currently available in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, For McMurray and Fort McKay, with remaining locations to be added later this year and into 2012.

Click for: Interactive map of Alberta air quality forecasts

With files from Shane Jones.