Is it more important to have perfect hair or a healthy heart? The choice seems obvious, yet while most of us regularly check the weather forecast to see if we need an umbrella or a toque, checking the Air Quality Health Index provided by Environment Canada is not as common a habit as it should be.

See today's Air Quality Health Index rating

What is Toronto's Air Quality Health Index?

The Air Quality Health Index rates the effect that current levels of air pollutants are likely to have on the health of those who are active outdoors.

The rating is expressed on a scale of 1 to 10+ where, like a game of golf, the lower the score the better. The rating also comes with a message that lets both normally healthy and at-risk individuals know if they should be adjusting their activity plans for the day.

Why Pay Attention to Toronto's Air Quality Health Index?

"It’s ironic that people who are recovering from - or are trying to prevent - heart disease by being physically active may actually be exposing themselves to more risk on bad air days if they head outdoors to be active."
- Dr. Beth Abramson in the 2008 Heart and Stroke Foundation Report Card on Canadians' Health

Environment Canada's Air Quality webpages outline the numerous health problems that can be caused by even short-term exposure to air pollution, which range from minor throat and eye irritation to increased risk of heart and asthma attacks. According to Toronto Public Health, in our city alone an estimated 6,000 hospital visits a year are connected to living with air pollution.
By not paying attention to the Air Quality Health Index and engaging in exercise or other outdoor exertion on days when the rating is high, you'll be drawing even more of that pollution into your system with deeper breathing.

So, Where is the Air Quality Health Index Rating Available Again?

See today's Air Quality Health Index rating
To learn more, visit Environment Canada's Air Quality Health Index mainpage.

Sources:
Environment Canada: Air Quality Health Index
2008 Heart and Stroke Foundation Report Card on Canadians' Health
Toronto Public Health: Smog and Your Health