Medicine Hat issued air quality advisory

Due to smoky conditions caused by wildfires in northern Alberta and Saskatchewan, Alberta Health Services has issued an air quality advisory for the Medicine Hat area.

• Satellite shows giant smoke plumes from Saskatchewan, Alberta forest fires

It's warning those living in or travelling to the area to be aware of potential health concerns related to the current air conditions, saying that even healthy people could experience temporary eye and throat irritation and possible shortness of breath.

Alberta's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) provides a number from 1 to 10 to indicate the level of relative health risk associated with local air quality. The AQHI in Medicine Hat indicates the health risk in the area is high, and people are advised to take it easy when outdoors.

Alberta Health Services says there are many ways to reduce exposure to the current air conditions:

• 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.
• Avoid running fans, such as "whole-house fans" or "fresh air ventilation systems." 
• 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.
• Keep windows and vents closed when driving.
• Run car fans on recirculate 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, as smoking puts added stress on your lungs and those around you.

AHS also warns that people with respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma — and those with existing cardiovascular conditions such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure — may notice their symptoms getting worse.

Children and elderly are also at higher risk of smoke-related illness. Those experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link at 811 to speak to a registered nurse.

Air quality information is also available toll-free by phone at 1-877-247-7333.

Because air quality is expected to be variable, AHS is keeping the advisory in effect until further notice.