(Chapter 2—Air Quality Health Index - March 2009 Status Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)
Ottawa, 31 March 2009 – Environment Canada and Health Canada have made satisfactory progress in developing an air quality index based on health risks, says the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Scott Vaughan, in his Report tabled today in the House of Commons. Their commitment to develop the index was cited in their responses to petitions submitted through the Commissioner in 2002 and 2003.
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)—a snapshot of air quality at a given location—is a tool designed to measure air quality based on levels of air pollutants known to harm human health. At the time of the audit, the Index had been piloted in several locations across Canada.
“Like the UV Index, the AQHI will help individual Canadians make informed decisions about outdoor activity,” said Mr. Vaughan.
The Report notes that scientific research and testing by the government led to the selection of ground-level ozone, fine particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide as three key pollutants that affect human health and need to be monitored together across Canada. Health Canada and Environment Canada combined them in the Air Quality Health Index in a way that could be used across Canada consistently and be easily understood.
The Report says that another ingredient of success in the government’s approach was wide consultation by the two departments with governmental and non-governmental organizations at every stage of the initiative. Most participants said they were satisfied with the consultation process.
“The government’s approach to consultation in this case is a good example for other programs,” said Mr. Vaughan.
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The chapter “Air Quality Health Index” is available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada website.
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