NEWS PHOTO EMMA BENNETT
A smoky haze can be seen hanging over over the city Thursday, May 30, 2019. An air quality advisory was issued by Environment Canada.
As a veil of smoke cloaked Medicine Hat and a large portion of the province Friday provoking a special air quality advisory and Alberta Health Services (AHS) warning of the possible health implications.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk. They could experience more serious health symptoms that may worsen, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.
The statement suggests you stay indoors if you have breathing difficulties and find someplace indoors that is cool and ventilated such as an air conditioned space that has filtered the air.
“If your home isn’t air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.”
The smoke is due to wildfires in northern Alberta causing poor air quality over much of the province.
The thickest smoke currently extends from northeastern British Columbia through Grande Prairie, Whitecourt, Drayton Valley, Red Deer, Calgary and southern Alberta. The foothills should see improvement late Friday with the rest of the south improving Saturday. Conditions may remain hazy into the weekend.
You can find a link to a map and forecast of the smoke on our website.
For more information please visit Alberta Health Services at: albertahealthservices.ca/news/air.aspx.
