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More British Columbians can access a new health tool that will help protect
them and their families against the harmful effects of air pollution.
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) provides Canadians with a personal health
protection tool that allows them to better understand the quality of the air
they breathe. In British Columbia the AQHI is expanding into Whistler, Williams
Lake and Victoria (Western communities). British Columbia was the first province
to adopt the AQHI and has served as a model for the expansion to other provinces.
"I am pleased that the Government of British Columbia is expanding
the Air Quality Health Index in the province," said the Honourable
Stockwell Day, Regional Minister for British Columbia and Canada's Minister
for International Trade. "The AQHI is the world's first health based
air quality communications tool and is an effective way to help British Columbians
minimize their exposure to the harmful effects of air pollution."
The AQHI provides current and forecast information to Canadians about the quality
of the air they are breathing.
"The Air Quality Health Index is an important initiative, and one
of the many things we're doing in British Columbia to ensure that our province
continues to enjoy the healthiest air quality possible," said B.C.
Environment Minister Barry Penner.
Reduction of air pollution is the key component to keeping Canada's air clean.
Vehicle emissions remain a major contributor of greenhouse gases and air pollution.
To address this issue, the Government of Canada will establish stringent regulated
standards to limit tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions. We will also be moving
forward with regulations to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
from everyday consumer products, such as paint. In addition, through Canada's
Economic Action Plan, the Government is investing $10 million to improve annual
reporting on key environmental indicators such as clean air, clean water and
greenhouse gas emissions.
The AQHI is the result of a strong partnership between the Government of Canada,
provincial and municipal governments, and key stakeholder groups. The AQHI has
already become a useful guide for thousands of Canadians that suffer from heart
conditions, asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
News is included on the IvyRose website to inform visitors
about current health issues, but not to endorse any particular view or activity.
Any views expressed iin the article above are not necessarily those of IvyRose
Ltd.. Material in this news item was released by the New Zealand based source
listed below on 4 June 2009
and may have been edited (e.g. in style, length, and/or for ease of understanding
by our international readers) for inclusion here. For further information, please
visit their website.
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