Wildfire smoke causing poor air quality in Calgary this weekend
Conditions expected to improve later Sunday, Environment Canada says
Poor air quality in some areas due to wildfire smoke has been a reality for Calgarians this weekend.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) released a statement Sunday morning addressing the poor air quality in Calgary, noting wildfire smoke is leading to reduced visibility in some areas.
ECCC's air quality health index, which measures how safe the air is to breathe, described Calgary's air quality as moderate risk throughout Saturday, rising to high risk from 10 p.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. Sunday. It's remained at moderate risk throughout Sunday since that time.
Conditions are expected to improve later today, ECCC's statement said.
But it added that air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and vary considerably from hour to hour.
When smoke levels increase, ECCC advises people to limit their time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities and events.
"People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms," said ECCC's statement on air quality.
Smoke exposure symptoms can include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough. In more serious cases, they can include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.
ECCC also recommends that people who must spend time outdoors wear a well-fitting respirator-type mask, such as an N95, to reduce their exposure to fine particles in the smoke.
The air quality index is also observing a moderate risk in other southern Alberta areas including around Airdrie, Brooks, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.
The Alberta Wildfire dashboard shows several out-of-control fires around the Alberta-B.C. border.
Parts of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador have all experienced poor air quality and reduced visibility due to wildfires this weekend.