Why Air Quality Matters in Outdoor Sports
Poor air quality, caused by contaminants such as smoke from forest fires and emissions from other sources, can adversely affect a person's health. This is particularly important for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts because:

• Increased respiratory rate during exercise leads to greater exposure to air pollutants. Air quality can change rapidly, potentially exposing athletes to varying levels of pollutants during an event.
• Orienteering participants are considered part of the at-risk population because of the outdoor high intensity exercises. 
• Special concern for orienteering activities related to Wildfires as it can coincide with main orienteering summer events . 
• To learn more about the health impact of poor air quality visit the Heath Canada website or click on the links and images below

Confused about AQHI  and AQI? What to consider:
1. Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
The AQHI is a scale used to measure air quality and its associated health risks. It's important for athletes and event organizers to understand and monitor the AQHI.
AQHI values range from 1 (low risk) to 10+ (very high risk). The AQHI is calculated from measured concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, ground-level ozone, and particulate matter less than PM2.5 µ.
How to monitor AQHI

• Local Urban AQHI in Canada
•  Download the WeatherCAN app to you phone (provides the AQHI for urban areas)

2. Air Quality Index  Particulate Matter 2.5 µ  (AQI PM2.5) 
PM2.5 is a precise air quality measurement that tracks fine particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or smaller, providing real-time, localized air quality data.PM2.5 pollution primarily originates from human activities like combustion (vehicle and industrial emissions), wildfires, residential wood burning, and construction dust, as well as some natural sources like volcanic eruptions and windblown particles.
How to monitor AQI PM2.5

• Use your own sensor measuring tool: e.g.Purple Air Portable Air Quality Monitor
•  There are many different sites that provide real time data on available sensors in the area  see couple examples below. These are localized air quality data by displaying PM2.5 concentrations from a network of low-cost sensors, allowing for rapid monitoring of air quality conditions.
• Purple Air Real Time Map: 
• AQI Map Alberta
• AQAIR measurements

Pros and cons using AQHI vs PM2.5  Index:
The AQHI provides a comprehensive health-focused air quality assessment but is limited by infrequent updates and availability primarily in urban centers. Its complexity and slower reporting make it less practical for remote locations compared to more immediate PM2.5 measurements, which offer more frequent and localized air quality data.
3. Monitoring Wildfire Smoke 
FIRESMOKE.CA is a wildfire and air quality forecast website that provides real-time information about wildfire smoke dispersion, air quality indices, and potential health risks across Canada.It can also be downloaded for your phone.

4. What if no data available?
If there are no other sources of air quality data, visibility could be used, but research has shown it to be somewhat problematic. This  scale could be used as a warning scale if conditions are deteriorating or improving .(See below Nevada Division of Environmental Protection: Visibility Range as a Tool for Estimating Air Quality)

5. What to do to mitigate risk for poor Air Quality  during Orienteering?

1. Monitor air quality: Stay informed about AQHI or AQI levels, especially when warnings for deteriorating air quality are issued.  Download reliable air quality monitoring apps for real-time updates.
2. Follow Health Canada guidelines: Adhere to recommended actions based on air quality levels. Consider  your health status: Be aware of any pre-existing conditions that may be exacerbated by poor air quality.
3. Remember as and outdoor activity participant  you are -AT RISK- category
4. Plan ahead: Familiarize yourself with the AOA Air Quality Policy and event-specific guidelines.
5. Bring proper protection: Carry N95 masks for personal use during poor air quality conditions. For more information on masks and wildfire smoke protection, visit the provided link.
6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body cope with pollutants.
7. Adjust activity intensity: Lower the intensity of your physical activity if you choose to participate.
8. Check event communications: Monitor event websites and official channels for updates on potential modifications or cancellations. Many cases the events will not be cancelled ahead of time as local data varies and conditions can change rapidly.
9. Consider travel risks: Be aware that events may be canceled based on local air quality data, even if conditions are different at your home location.
10. Consider the volunteers and organizers healthy risk when putting on these events

​Educational materials and resources:

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