Winds have brought significant amounts of smoke from wildfires into Calgary, raising the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and forcing Environment Canada to issue an air quality advisory on Tuesday.
While the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) AQHI currently only has the city’s “observed conditions” of three, or low risk, smoke was evident throughout the city in the morning.
At 7:41 p.m., the agency issued a special air quality statement due to deteriorating conditions.
“Smoke is causing or is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility,” eccc written online, “Even small amounts of wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health. There are actions everyone can take to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke.”
agency says AQHI forecast to reach sixor medium risk.
According to the website, once it reaches that level, residents should consider taking precautions, especially those most susceptible to poor air quality.
“If you are experiencing symptoms, consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities,” the website said.
The ECCC also states that if you have an HVAC system installed in your home, you should use the “highest rated MVR filter for your system.”
“[You]should set a fan to circulate the air constantly. You can also use a portable High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air cleaner. If the temperature in your home is comfortable, keep your doors and windows closed. “
Anyone who needs to work outside should use a well-fitting respirator mask to “reduce exposure to fine particles in smoke”.
“These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and adjust activities if you are experiencing symptoms.” It is important to reduce or prevent
Edmonton’s air quality is expected to deteriorate further on Tuesday – at least a 7, or at risk of high.
eighty-seven wildfires Fires continued to burn across northern and central Alberta early Tuesday morning. More than a quarter of the blazes were classified as out-of-control by Alberta Wildfire.
On Monday, Alberta Wildfire officials said the wind could potentially lead to more unpredictable behavior.
The ECCC says the air quality is expected to improve on Wednesday.
(With files from CTV Edmonton)
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