Improving the Canadian Air Quality Index (AQI) formulation: Research syntheses of index development and AQI formulation approaches, and analytical comparisons of AQI formulation options

Abstract

There has been increasing evidence showing that current Canadian Air Quality Indices (AQIs) are not providing the public with accurate information on air quality conditions. In response, a process for improvement of Canadian AQIs was initiated in 2001 by Environment Canada and a broad multi-stakeholder community. This thesis work was conducted in an effort to aid this process and produce new knowledge in the area of AQI formulation and application. Two reviews were undertaken to identify the conceptual and measurement aspects of index development, and the current state of knowledge relating to AQI formulation. An analytical comparison of AQI formulation options was conducted using air pollution data from four urban centres in Ontario. The results suggest that there are a number of advantages associated with the health risk based formulation approach developed by Health Canada. Recommendations for Canadian AQI improvement are presented.