Smoke blankets Calgary to Red Deer: High-risk air quality
People in southern Alberta are being urged to stay indoors with windows closed Friday, as wildfire smoke blankets much of the region.
For Calgary, Airdrie and Red Deer, Environment Canada has issued an air quality health index of 10+, the highest on the scale, signifying very high risk. Most of the province is under a special air quality statement, as well.
"It means that there's a heavy load of pollution in the air — and we know that right now, there's forest fires burning in northern Alberta, and that forest fire air pollution has been transported on the wind," said Dr. Kathryn Koliaska with Alberta Health Services.
"Those little particles can be breathed deep into the lungs and so we want to limit the amount those are really being drawn into the lungs."
In northern Alberta, fires have forced more than 10,000 people from their homes — more than twice the number from the day before. Smoke from the fires is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility throughout Alberta, British Columbia and in the United States.
Edmonton and northern Alberta has struggled with air quality in recent days. The sky lit up orange in the province's capital on Thursday.
VIDEO: SEE THE HAZY CONDITIONS IN EDMONTON
Lethbridge and Medicine Hat are rated at four or moderate risk currently, with an expectation of a rating of seven, or high risk, in the smoke.
In Calgary, some people were still running and biking, normally healthy modes of transportation. Koliaska recommends people try to limit heavy exertion done outside, and reschedule outdoor events.
POLLUTION CAN AGGRAVATE BREATHING
The pollution can severely aggravate people's breathing and health, in particular that of children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and COPD.
Wildfire smoke turns Calgary into hazy hell for asthma sufferers Prolonged exposure to smoke can take its toll on everyone, respiratory specialist Dr. Ron Damant said.
"Be aware that air quality is important and to plan around it," he said. "And as much as possible, we can't live in a bubble, I guess, but when the air quality is getting bad, try to avoid exposure to it."
Those without health concerns can also find they're struggling to breathe.
If you are, the federal environment authority recommends staying indoors, keeping windows closed and seeking ventilated air in public places, such as libraries, malls and recreation centres. Seek medical attention if necessary.
Even if you aren't struggling, everyone is encouraged to reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities.
Symptoms may include coughing and irritated throat.
Environment Canada says the thickest smoke may dissipate in central and south Alberta later Friday, with projections of the risk level dropping to five or moderate by night.
The air may remain hazy into the weekend. The risk level is predicted to remain around four, or moderate, on Saturday for Calgary, Red Deer, Airdrie and Medicine Hat.
VIDEO: THICK SMOKE IN EDMONTON
Air pollution will depend, however, on the fires to the north and wind patterns.
Firefighters continue to battle the northern Alberta fire, despite difficult conditions. The fire danger rating is extreme or very high for the top half of the province.
A recent report, commissioned by Environment Canada, warned Canada is projected to warm at double the global rate, leading to increased "extreme fire weather." The scientific report stressed "the human factor is dominant" in the cause of climate change.
This article was written for the CBC By Rachel Ward.
