New index measures health risk from air pollution in Toronto 

     TORONTO, July 9 /CNW/ - A new index that measures the health risk from

air pollution in Toronto was launched today in partnership with the federal

and provincial governments and the City of Toronto.

     The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a pilot project that measures the

daily health risk from local air pollution, and gives those who are most

vulnerable the information they need to protect themselves.

     "Air pollution is responsible for 1,700 premature deaths and 6,000

hospital admissions in Toronto each year," said Toronto Medical Officer of

Health Dr. David McKeown. "This new index will provide timely and accurate

information on air pollution health risks and how to minimize them. The index

will be particularly useful to vulnerable individuals, such as seniors and

those with asthma."

     Toronto is the first Ontario city to pilot the index. The Toronto pilot

will run for approximately 18 months, with the intent of expanding to the

Greater Toronto Area in 2008.

     The AQHI will provide Torontonians with information on:

     -  Health risk from current air pollution levels, based on a number

        from 1 to 10+

     -  Forecasts of health risk from air - today, tonight and tomorrow

     -  Level of health risk - low, moderate, high, or very high

     -  Who is at greatest risk from air pollution

     -  Actions individuals can take to minimize their health risks

     -  Information on how to reduce air pollution

     "The Air Quality Health Index is an innovative and useful tool that

Ontarians need -- the costs of bad air are just too high for our health and

our economy," said Ontario Environment Minister Laurel Broten. "I am pleased

that our government is able to provide the necessary air quality data to make

this pilot a reality."

     The AQHI supports many of the City of Toronto's initiatives to reduce air

pollution.

     "The City of Toronto's new Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainable

Energy Action Plan underlines our commitment to improving air quality and

reducing smog-causing emissions city wide," said City of Toronto Mayor David

Miller. "The AQHI is an innovative tool that will help Torontonians better

understand the impacts of air pollution."

     Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home

to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine

of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America.

In the past three years Toronto has won more than 50 awards for quality and

innovation in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to

prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.