Smoky skies are expected to clear tonight after Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement Monday due to fires burning in parts of Saskatchewan. - NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLERÂ
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
A special air quality statement due to wildfire smoke in Medicine Hat and surrounding areas is expected to improve sometime over the next 12 to 18 hours as wind conditions from the south are expected to change, driving smoke out of the area.
According to the national forecaster, winds have been pushing smoke from a couple wildfires burning in parts of northern and central Saskatchewan causing the air quality index to climb to a nine, or a high risk to health.
“There is a special air quality statement in effect for that, with those increased smoke levels at the surface,” said Christy Climenhaga, scientist, Environment Canada. “Continuing really over the next 24 hours we should start to see a change in that flow and smoke pushing out of the area.
But smoke can be kind of tricky, it can be a little more stubborn at times, so we’ll have to see how it clears out and how it moves out of the region, but it’s something to keep in mind for the next day or so.”
Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement Monday warning residents of the potential health risks associated with smoky conditions that can cause common symptoms including eye, nose and throat irritation and mild coughs to more serious but less common symptoms that include headaches, chest pain and severe cough.
“When we are looking at wildfire smoke, there’s a lot of gasses, particles, water vapour, all those sorts of things in that smoke,” explains Climenhaga. But what we look at in terms of health risks is fine particles, PM 2.5 is what it’s called. They’re invisible to the human eye, but they have been linked to a wide range of health effects.”
These microscopic particles, measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller, can be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause irritation, inflammation and other health issues.
People most likely to be impacted by poor air quality are those who work outdoors, people aged 65 and older as well as infants and young children.
Environment Canada suggest that people with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
“You want to try to limit your time outside, if possible, find a way to spend more time in cleaner air and keep the air in your home as clean as possible. Things like making sure your windows, your doors, everything is shut, make sure you have proper air filters in your ventilation system or in your vehicle.
“If you do have to spend time outside, you can use a well fitted mask, such as a certified N95 which can reduce your exposure to those fine particles.”
Even with a mask, there can still be risks to health.
Environment Canada is also encouraging family members and friends to check in on others who may be more likely to be impacted by the smoke than others.
At the time of publication, Medicine Hat’s air quality index sits at a six, or moderate health risk, and is expected to drop into the low risk zone tonight.
