Why Should You Use AQHI Information from CRAZ, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, or Canada’s WeatherCan Mobile App?
Air quality directly impacts our health, productivity, and overall quality of life. In Alberta, where wildfires, industrial activity, and changing weather patterns often influence air conditions, staying informed about the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is more important than ever.
But with so many sources of information online, why should you rely on trusted, official AQHI providers like the Calgary Region Airshed Zone (CRAZ), Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA), or Canada’s WeatherCan app? Here are the key reasons:
- Accuracy and Reliability
CRAZ and AEPA operate real-time air monitoring stations across Alberta. These stations use scientifically calibrated equipment to measure pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, and nitrogen dioxide. The AQHI values you see are based on real-world measurements—not estimates or third-party data—ensuring you get accurate, localized information.
- Health-Focused Guidance
The AQHI isn’t just about numbers; it’s designed to help you make health-based decisions. The index categorizes air quality on a scale from 1 (low risk) to 10+ (very high risk), paired with practical health advice. For example, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions can use AQHI forecasts to plan outdoor activities safely.
- Trusted by Health and Environmental Authorities
Both CRAZ and AEPA work closely with health agencies, municipalities, and community partners. The WeatherCan mobile app, operated by Environment and Climate Change Canada, is the official federal source for weather and air quality forecasts. Using these channels means you’re relying on the same data that health professionals and emergency planners use.
- Timely Alerts for Changing Conditions
Air quality can change quickly due to wildfire smoke, weather shifts, or industrial events. Official sources provide up-to-date hourly readings and forecasts, so you can take immediate precautions—whether that means rescheduling a jog, adjusting outdoor work, or protecting vulnerable family members.
- Localized Information
Generic weather apps or websites often provide broad, regional air quality ratings that don’t reflect the actual conditions in your neighborhood. In many cases, their source of air quality data is not verified, and there’s no certainty that the monitoring technology they use meets scientific standards. Some apps rely on crowdsourced or low-cost sensors, which can be inconsistent and prone to errors, especially during wildfire smoke events or changing weather conditions.
By contrast, CRAZ and AEPA provide official, quality-controlled data from a network of government-certified monitoring stations across Alberta. This ensures that the AQHI readings you see are both accurate and trustworthy, giving you confidence that the information truly reflects the air you’re breathing.
- Accessibility and Convenience
- CRAZ Website → Detailed air monitoring data for the Calgary region. https://craz.ca/
- AEPA Website → Province-wide network with live AQHI data. https://airquality.alberta.ca/map/
- WeatherCan App → Easy-to-use mobile app that gives you air quality and weather updates in one place.
This makes it simple to check conditions at home, at work, or on the go.
If you care about your health, your family, or your community, it’s worth checking the AQHI through trusted sources like CRAZ, AEPA, or the WeatherCan app. With accurate, real-time, and health-focused information, you can make informed choices to reduce your exposure to air pollution and stay safe during poor air quality events.
Mandeep Dhaliwal, B.Sc., P.Chem.
Air Quality Program Manager
Calgary Region Airshed Zone
