Calgary’s air quality presents a “very high” health risk, as smoke from fires in B.C. and the Pacific Northwest continue to blow into Alberta.
After being listed as “high risk” for much of the morning, air quality worsened further at 10 a.m., according to Alberta Environment.
At this level, “at-risk” residents — such as people with heart or breathing problems — are urged to avoid strenuous activities outdoors, with children and seniors also advised to avoid such activity. Others are encouraged to reduce or reschedule strenuous activity outdoors, especially if they experience symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation.
The index is ranked on a scale of one to 10-plus and is based on measurements of ozone at ground level, particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. Scores over 10 are considered “very high risk.” Calgary’s was rating climbed to 11, as of 10 a.m.
Data from Calgary’s central air quality monitoring station shows fine particulate matter has risen dramatically in the past 24 hours, while carbon monoxide levels have also increased.
The city’s score on the Air Quality Health Index peaked at five — moderate risk — on Monday evening.
Environment Canada warned in a statement that under high risk conditions, “even healthy individuals may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath.”
The morning BlueSky Canada smoke forecast for Western Canada is not seeing much opportunity for improvement in the day ahead.
The agency offers several tips to cope with the smoke:
- To reduce exposure to the current air conditions, all individuals can: reduce presence of smoke in indoor environments: close and lock all outside windows and doors, including attached garage doors.
- Turn down furnace thermostats and furnace fans to the minimum setting. Do not attempt to extinguish pilot light.
- If you have an air-conditioner, keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.
- Avoid running fans, such as “whole-house fans” or “fresh air ventilation systems”, that bring more smoky outdoor air inside.
- Switch all floor registers to closed position.
- Close fire place dampers on wood burning fireplaces.
- Do not use wood burning fireplace, wood stoves or other smoke-producing appliances or features, including candles.
- If you must drive to another location, keep windows and vents closed.
- Run car fans on re-circulate mode to avoid drawing in outdoor air.
- Reduce levels of physical activity, as necessary, to decrease the inhalation of airborne pollutants.
- Do not smoke tobacco – smoking puts added stress on your lungs and those around you.
- Residents are reminded not to use backyard fire pits or fire boxes in parks when the air quality risk is high or very high, as it is now.