Outdoor air quality

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a tool designed to help people understand what the air quality around you means to your health.  The AQHI uses a scale to illustrate the health risk associated with the air quality.  If the AQHI index has increased to 7 (high health risk), it is usually because of high concentration of very fine smoke particles (PM2.5) in the community. 

View the latest information on the AQHI across the province on the BC Air Quality Index map

Find the latest forecast AQHI values and forecasts for BC on Air Quality Health Index – BC Air Quality

Within Metro Vancouver an Air Quality Advisory may be issued when:

• air quality deteriorates or is expected to deteriorate;
• air pollution approaches or exceeds safe limits; or
• poor air quality is expected to continue or worsen

The Smoky Skies Bulletin is issued by BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy to communicate the rapidly changing nature of wildfire smoke.

Specific guidance for what to do during a wildfire smoke episode can be found on the wildfire smoke page.

Health tips during an air quality advisory

• Exposure to poor air quality is particularly a concern for vulnerable people such as older adults, pregnant people, infants, those who have underlying medical conditions such as lung or heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and people with respiratory infections.  It’s important for vulnerable people to stay in air-conditioned spaces or facilities with cooler filtered air, such as an arena or public library.
• Use good judgement if deciding to take part in outdoor physical activity – if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity.
• Mild respiratory symptoms related to poor air quality can include a sore throat, cough, shortness of breath. Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain or discomfort should consider seeking medical attention from their health care provider.

Outdoor air quality concerns or complaints can be directed to Metro Vancouver or the Ministry of Environment, depending on your location.

Visit Metro Vancouver - make an air quality complaint page. 

For outdoor air quality complaints outside of Metro Vancouver, visit Contact B.C. Air Quality.