Air quality statement for Medicine Hat on Tuesday

As smoke levels increase, health risks increase.

Environment Canada advises people to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.

You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough.

More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.

If you think you are having a medical emergency, you are advised to seek immediate medical assistance.

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.

Environment Canada also said people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.

It’s recommended that when indoors to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, but if an extreme heat event is occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.

A good quality air filter in your ventilation system or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles can also help improve air quality.

Respirator masks can help reduce expose to the fine particles in smoke when outdoors.

More information is available at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke or albertahealthservices.ca/news/air.aspx.

Information on the current air quality levels, and how to reduce your health risk is also available at airhealth.ca.

It’s advised to continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada, and additional information from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, and Alberta Health Services.

by Jesse Gill

Air quality statement for Medicine Hat on Tuesday

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