Air quality advisory for Alberta
A precautionary air quality advisory has been issued for all of Alberta.
Air quality is anticipated to be variable across the province during the coming days due to wildfire smoke and potential record-setting temperatures, Alberta Health Services officials said in a news release Wednesday.
“Residents of and visitors to Alberta are advised to be aware of air conditions and take precautions against potential health concerns that can be associated with smoky air conditions,” AHS said.
“Although minor smoke conditions do not typically cause health concerns in healthy individuals, if smoke conditions become more severe, even healthy individuals may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath.”
AHS advises that if you can taste and/or smell smoke in the air to: monitor your symptoms; minimize physical activity outdoors; and remain indoors with windows, doors and air circulation fans/vents closed. Also, if you drive to another location, keep windows and vents closed. Run your car fan on re-circulate mode to avoid drawing in outdoor air.
Individuals with respiratory conditions, such as COPD and asthma, and individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions, such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure, may notice a worsening of symptoms in smoky air conditions.
These individuals should monitor for worsening of symptoms and take the precautions routinely recommended by their physicians if a worsening of symptoms occurs. Individuals experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free at 811, to speak to a registered nurse.
Air quality can and will vary with weather conditions and prevailing winds. Because air quality is expected to be variable, this advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Information about the air quality in many areas of Alberta is updated hourly on the Alberta Environment Air Quality website: http://airquality.alberta.ca.
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