Warning issued over quality of air through out Edmonton area

Pollution trapped under an atmospheric inversion around Edmonton could cause poor air quality up until Monday afternoon and aggravate symptoms of people with breathing troubles, Environment Canada warned Sunday.

The weather bureau issued a special air quality statement for Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Redwater and Smoky Lake.

“Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath,” Environment Canada said on Sunday.

“Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.”

People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution, the bureau said.

Atmospheric inversions are horizontal layers in the atmosphere in which temperature increases with height.

It also means multiple heights can have the same temperature, which can trap pollution.

The weather phenomenon is quite common.