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What is the AQI?The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is calculated and reported to the public from air monitoring stations from Six Airsheds (see Good AQI(%) by Airsheds). This index associates concentrations of five major air pollutants to provincial air quality Objectives and federal air quality objectives. Outdoor concentrations of carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and sulphur dioxide are used to determine whether the quality of the air is Good, Fair, Poor or Very Poor. A minimum of four of the above listed pollutants is required to calculate the AQI. The AQI is reported every hour, 24 hours a day, and is available from an automated telephone system by calling toll free 1-877-247-7333. In Edmonton, the AQI can be accessed by dialing 427-7273. Current AQI conditions are also reported at AENV's real-time air quality website. The AQI (air quality index) is a system developed to provide the public with a meaningful measure of outdoor air quality. From the AQI, we can effectively rate air quality Good, Fair, Poor or Very Poor. The AQI converts concentrations of five major air pollutants to a single numerical value and matching description. For example, a rating of 0-25 indicates Good air quality, 26-50 is Fair, 51-100 is Poor, and more than 100 is Very Poor. The AQI is based on outdoor concentrations of carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, ozone and sulphur dioxide. A minimum of four of the above listed pollutants is required to calculate the AQI, one of which must be PM2.5. These pollutants are monitored continuously in Alberta and 22 stations collect this combination of pollutants necessary for the calculation of the AQI.
Edmonton (3 locations) |
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