Air Quality Health Index Station Data - BC Air Quality

Monitoring status

AQHI values for South Okanagan will be unavailable until a new permanent air quality monitoring station is established in the South Okanagan. However PM_2.5 measurements from a temporary monitoring site in Penticton are available. This page only displays the maximum forecasted AQHI values.

Health message for observed AQHI conditions:

Learn more about AQHI Health messages. Please read our air quality data disclaimer below.

Maximum AQHI forecast

Health risk

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	10+
Low (1-3)			Moderate (4-6)			High (7-10)				Very High	No data available

How to use and read the graphs

Use the grey selection tool above to adjust the date range of the data set or hover over the chart and use your mouse wheel.
If you are having trouble viewing the entire graph, try decreasing or increasing the zoom level on your web browser.
^*Stations in Metro Vancouver display the last 15 days of AQHI data.

Disclaimer:

Air quality data may be missing or delayed for many reasons that are beyond our control including local power or communications outages and instrument calibration cycles.

Data found on this web site is accessible in raw form before all quality assurance reviews are complete. This data is preliminary and is subject to change during the review process. Read more about our data and licensing agreement.

The AQHI uses a scale to show the health risk associated with the air pollution we breathe.

The following table provides the health messages for ‘at risk’ individuals and the general public for each of the AQHI Health Risk Categories. Find out if you are at risk.
Health Risk	AQHI Index	Health Messages
Health Risk	AQHI Index	At Risk Population¹	General Population
Low	1 - 3	Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.	Ideal air quality for outdoor activities.
Moderate (MOD)	4 - 6	Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms.	No need to modify your usual outdoor activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
High	7 - 10	Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy.	Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
Very High	Above 10	Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion.	Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
	*	Elevated levels of sulphur dioxide have been reported and the AQHI has been adjusted to reflect an increased health risk for both sensitive populations and the general population. Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities if experiencing symptoms.	Elevated levels of sulphur dioxide have been reported. Persons with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma should consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities if experiencing symptoms.

¹ People with heart or breathing problems are at greater risk. Follow your doctor's usual advice about exercising and managing your condition.

Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada

If the AQHI index has increased to 7 (high health risk), it is usually because of high concentrations of smoke particles (PM2.5) in this community.