About the Community Clean Air Spaces Dashboard
This dashboard provides near-real-time air quality information for the Vancouver Coastal Health region. It uses low-cost air-quality sensors deployed across the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority to provide hyperlocal data.
What is the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI+)?
The AQHI is a 1–10+ scale indicating how air pollution may affect your health. British Columbia recommends the use of AQHI+ (AQHI-Plus), which is very similar to the older AQHI but better suited to conditions with high particulate matter (e.g., wildfire smoke).
AQHI+ helps you make choices to protect yourself—such as reducing time outdoors or changing activities—especially if you are more sensitive to air pollution. Risk categories are grouped as Low (1–3), Moderate (4–6), High (7–9), and Very High (10+).
The data collected by our sensors is used to calculate the outdoor AQHI+. Learn more below: AQHI scale and how the index is calculated.
How to read the AQHI+ scale
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) scale is designed to help you identify the level of risk health associated with outdoor air quality. The AQHI+ scale is an updated index that is designed to capture sudden or temporary spikes in pollution from wildfire smoke. Both the AQHI and AQHI+ scales range from 1–10+, grouped into health-risk categories:
- 1–3: Low health risk
- 4–6: Moderate health risk
- 7–9: High health risk
- 10+: Very high health risk
Vancouver Coastal Health recommends avoiding strenuous outdoor activities (like running) during period of poor air quality, and provides specific guidance for periods of wildfire smoke: Wildfire smoke guidance — VCH (opens in a new tab)
How is the AQHI calculated?
The AQHI is calculated based on the relative risks of a combination of common air pollutants that is known to harm human health. In British Columbia, two calculations are done and the higher value is reported:
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A calculation using three pollutants:
- Ozone (O3) at ground level,
- Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5), and
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).
- Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) concentration alone.
This means that in periods of high PM2.5 concentrations, the AQHI+ depends exclusively on PM2.5 concentrations.
How to Read the Dashboard
- Map: Colour-coded markers show the current AQHI+. Click a marker to see details for that sensor.
- Graphs: Select a sensor and pollutant to view the past 24 hours.
- Sensor List: A table of active sensors with current pollutant concentrations.
Data Sources & Methods
Sensor data is updated from community monitors maintained by the University of British Columbia and calibrated using algorithms developed by the research team specifically for these deployments.
Limitations
Low-cost sensors can drift and may be affected by humidity, temperature, and cross-sensitivities. While calibration reduces these errors, always follow local guidance, including official air-quality statements.
Contact & Feedback
Questions or suggestions? Email the team at HelloAirQuality@mech.ubc.ca.