TABLE 2.
The constructed AQHI showing the range of excess mortality risk per pollutant, levels of risk and the corresponding health messages. Cape Town, South Africa 2006 and 2015.
| Single pollutant ER% range | Health messages | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AQHI | PM10 | NO2 | SO2 | O3 | Risk levels | General population | Susceptible population |
| 1 | <0.21 | <0.24 | <0.4 | <0.87 | Low risk (AQHI 1–3) | Ideal conditions for regular outdoor activities | Enjoy your usual outdoor activities |
| 2 | >0.21–0.42 | >0.24–0.48 | >0.4–0.8 | >0.89–1.74 | |||
| 3 | >0.42–0.63 | >0.48–0.72 | >0.8–1.2 | >1.74–2.61 | Follow your doctor’s advice for exercise | ||
| 4 | >0.63–0.84 | >0.72–0.96 | >1.2–1.6 | >2.61–3.48 | Moderate risk (AQHI 4–6) | No need to modify your usual outdoor activities | If you have heart or breathing problems, and experience symptoms, consider reducing physical exertion outdoors or rescheduling activities to times when the index is lower |
| 5 | >0.84–1.05 | >0.96–1.20 | >1.6–2 | >3.48–4.35 | Contact your doctor and follow their advice | ||
| 6 | >1.05–1.26 | >1.20–1.44 | >2–2.4 | >4.35–5.22 | |||
| 7 | >1.26–1.47 | >1.44–1.68 | >2.4–2.8 | >5.22–6.09 | High risk (AQHI 7–10+) | Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities to periods when the index is lower, especially if you experience symptoms | Children, the elderly and people with breathing or heart problems should avoid physical exertion outdoors |
| 8 | >1.47–1.68 | >1.68–1.92 | >2.8–3.2 | >6.09–6.96 | |||
| 9 | >1.68–1.89 | >1.92–2.16 | >3.2–3.6 | >6.96–7.83 | If you have heart or breathing problems, follow your doctor’s advice about managing your condition | ||
| 10+ | >1.89–2.10+ | >2.16–2.40+ | >3.6–4.0+ | >7.83–8.70+ | |||