Wildfire haze blankets Edmonton
CBC News | Posted: May 12, 2016 2:33 PM | Last Updated: May 12, 2016
The city was under moderate risk Thursday morning
People with breathing problems are being advised to take precautions as smoke from wildfires across northern Alberta move into Edmonton, blanketing the city with a thick haze.
Alberta Health Services has issued a precautionary air quality advisory for Edmonton, and communities across northern Alberta were placed under a precautionary last week.
As of Thursday morning, Edmonton was classified as a moderate risk on Environment Canada's air quality index.
AHS says even healthy people may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath.
People with certain respiratory conditions including ,COPD, asthma, and those with existing cardiovascular problems such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure, may notice a worsening of symptoms, and should take precautions.
To reduce exposure to the smoky air conditions, minimize physical activity outdoors, and remain indoors with windows, doors and air circulation fans/vents closed.
AHS says children and seniors are also at higher risk of smoke-related illness.
Individuals experiencing symptoms due to the smoke can also call Health Link at 811 to speak to a registered nurse.
Smoky conditions expected to continue into Friday
Particulate levels from dust and forest fires that are above provincial guidelines were reported in Lamont County on Thursday morning, according to Alberta's Fort Air Partnership.
The particulate matter reported is less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter — small enough to settle deep into the lungs.
The Fort Air Partnership says a new smoke plume that will hit Edmonton and areas east of Edmonton at around midnight Thursday could cause continued poor air quality that extends into Friday.
Information about the air quality in many areas of Alberta is updated regularly on the Alberta Environment and Parks website. Air quality information is also available by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-247-7333.