Air quality concerns continue in region

Until the smoke has cleared, limit outdoor activities.

That was part of the reminder Monday from Alberta Health Services as decreased air quality caused by nearby wildfires continued to linger throughout Lethbridge and southern Alberta.

Dr. Karin Goodison, medical officer of health for the AHS South Zone, spoke to reporters Monday afternoon and says they monitoring the wildfires near Waterton and in B.C.

“The winds are blowing the smoke our way into the South Zone, so all across the lower part of the zone right now we do have some special air-quality alerts in effect,” she said.

People with pre-existing health conditions or sensitivities to air pollution, as well as the elderly and young people, are at risk of worsened symptoms from smoke exposure.

Impacts can include eye and nose irritation, as well as sustained coughing and sneezing. Goodison suggests limiting outdoor activity and keeping doors and windows closed.

“There can be long-term health effects with particulate matter and wildfire smoke. We don’t anticipate at the levels we’re having right now that those will be very significant,” she said.

Environment Canada frequently updates its air quality health index and Goodison suggested people use that as a resource for the latest information.

She also reminded the public that Alberta Health Services has limited visitation at both the Cardston and Pincher Creek Health Centres in order to try and reduce the amount of smoke coming in the doors whenever they are opened.