Air Quality Health Index
When wildfires occur or increase in frequency, severity, and duration, they can create poor air quality conditions throughout our communities – including University of Regina campuses.
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) has been developed in partnership with Health Canada and provides daily forecasts for air quality levels and is measured on a scale from one to ten. The University has adopted the Air Quality Health Index as well as public information to assess air pollution in Regina and the impact it may have on our campus community and scheduled activities.
The Health and Safety team is committed to implement actions, based on Air Quality Health Index levels, to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
How to Use the Air Quality Health Index
Follow these simple steps to use the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
STEP 1: When planning personal or University hosted outdoor programs, activities, events, or research, use the "maximum forecast AQHI's" and corresponding health messages as a guide.
STEP 2: Air quality affects each of us differently depending on your risk. Use the Determine If You Are at Risk page to determine your level of risk.
STEP 3: Follow the health advice given.
STEP 4: Take action
Protective Action Recommendations
For Students, Faculty & Staff
AQHI 4 to 6
Recommend the voluntary use of N95 masks for at-risk populations.
AQHI 7 to 10
Advise those working outdoors to work indoors, to the extent possible. N95 masks required for essential outdoor work.
AQHI above 10
Only essential (emergency) outdoor work will be permitted.
Health and Safety (Human Resources) will notify Facilities Management and all faculties of AQHI levels.
For University Outdoor Events & Activities
AQHI 4 to 6
Recommendation for University hosted outdoor programs, activities, events, and research be limited or moved indoors.
AQHI 7 to 10
Recommendation for University hosted outdoor programs, activities, events, and research be suspended.
AQHI above 10
UofR-hosted outdoor programs, activities, events, and research shall be suspended or moved indoors. If relocation is not possible, physically strenuous activity shall be limited to 15 minutes per hour per day, and/or participants will be provided with N95 respirator masks.