Burnaby is keeping some very dubious company when it comes to air quality right now.
According to aqicn.org, which offers a real-time air quality map with data from more than 60 countries around the world, Burnaby South is sitting at a 165 on its air quality scale - falling into its Unhealthy zone. Kensington Park and Burnaby North are at 190, closing in on the Very Unhealthy zone.
For comparison, here are some world cities with similar readings right now:
New Delhi, India: 173
Mumbai, India: 187
Lima, Peru: 168
Ankara, Turkey: 151
Metepec, Toluca, Mexico: 147
Tehran, Iran: 166
Kampala, Uganda: 144
As it turns out, the air in Beijing and Shanghai, China is kicking Burnaby's butt right now: Beijing comes in at a 65 and Shaghhai at a 61.
And Dhaka, Bangladesh? That's coming in at 63.
It could be substantially worse, however. Centro, Aguascalientes, Mexico reads 500.
Then again, it could also be a lot better. If you're looking for great air, Burin, Nfld. is clocking it at a 19, and Inuvik, N.W.T. at 17.
Conclusion? Move away. Or stay inside for awhile.
This, according to the website, is how the readings should be interpreted:
| 0 - 50 | Good | Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk |
| 51 -100 | Moderate | Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. |
| 101-150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. |
| 151-200 | Unhealthy | Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects |
| 201-300 | Very Unhealthy | Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected. |
| 300+ | Hazardous | Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects |
Source: aqicn.org
