This report provides the frequency of Good, Fair, Poor and Very Poor air quality hours according to Alberta's Air Quality Index.
The Air Quality Index is a numerical value describing the quality of outdoor air in Alberta. The index is based on the concentration of five major pollutants: nitrogen dioxide, fine particulate matter, ozone, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. Hourly concentrations of these pollutants are used to calculate the Air Quality Index, which is converted into four air quality categories: Good, Fair, Poor and Very Poor. The index is based on Alberta's Air Quality Objectives.
The purpose of the Air Quality Index is to inform the public about air quality in their area and to enable the individual to make choices and plan their day based on the messaging provided and their own unique situation. Major influences on the Air Quality Index include vehicle emissions, forest fires and industrial emissions. In Alberta, "Poor" or "Very Poor" air quality episodes are usually caused by smoke from forest fires or smog events.
Alberta Environment, along with Alberta Health and Wellness and Alberta Health Services, has developed a poor air quality notification system. This system is designed to alert and advise Albertans about poor air quality conditions.
Air Quality in the oil sands region is generally rated Good 95 percent of the time or more. Poor air quality episodes in this region are most often the result of forest fire smoke.
Additional information on the Air Quality Index can be found in the Air Quality Index Fact Sheet. The current Air Quality Index is available 24 hours a day on Alberta Environment's real-time Air Quality Website or by dialing (toll-free) 1-877-247-7333.