The smoke-filled atmosphere was particularly evident on Monday looking down on the city.--NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE
Medicine Hat News
Air quality advisories have been issued as smoke from the wildfires in B.C. has blown into southeastern Alberta.
Early Monday morning, the air quality health index was in the low level, rated three out of 10. By noon it had risen to four, which is considered a moderate risk, with the rating rising to seven in the evening — a high risk. Overnight the rating was predicted to be back down to a moderate risk of four, while today’s prediction also sits at a four.
Air quality is expected to vary for the coming days and, potentially weeks, said Alberta Health Services, which has issued advisories for all zones.
To see different air quality ratings from around the province, visit airquality.alberta.ca.
According to Environment Canada, wildfire smoke can be a major source of toxic air pollutants.
“Fine particles in the smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs and can lead to serious health effects, particularly for small children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with lung and heart conditions. Anyone involved in strenuous outdoor work or sports is also at greater risk.
“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone is at risk.”
Milder effects of smoke exposure include sore and watery eyes, runny nose and sinus irritation, scratchy throat and coughing and headache. More serious effects include breathing difficulties and asthma attacks, chest pains, heart palpitations and heart attacks.
People who have pre-existing breathing conditions to stay inside, preferably somewhere cool and ventilated.
For further protection, people are encouraged to limit outdoor activity and strenuous physical activity. Keep indoor air clean, turn off furnaces and air conditioners that could draw smoke indoors, while inside a vehicle keep windows closed and set the ventilation system to recirculate.
Travel information
The province advises the public that all highways into B.C. from Alberta are open to travel, but this could change as the wildfire situation progresses. Albertans are advised to check with 511 Alberta, and @DriveBC and @EmergencyInfoBC for up-to-date information. Information for travellers and tourists visiting B.C. is available at http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/info-for-travelers-tourists-in-bc.
