WATCH ABOVE: AHS issued an air quality advisory for the Edmonton area Wednesday morning. Daintre Christensen provided details during her Noon News weather forecast.
EDMONTON – Alberta Health Services issued an air quality advisory Wednesday for the Edmonton Zone.
According to the Government of Alberta’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), air quality in Edmonton was listed at two Wednesday morning and was expected to rise to six which is a moderate health risk.
Environment Canada rated Edmonton’s air quality as a level 6 – or moderate risk – on Wednesday.
READ MORE: Smoky skies prompt special weather statement for southern, central Alberta
Under Edmonton’s air quality, healthy people can experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat and shortness of breath under the current air quality, AHS warned.
AHS is providing advice on how to reduce exposure to the poor air quality:
- 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
- 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
It’s also recommended to keep windows and vents closed while driving a vehicle, reduce physical activity, and don’t smoke tobacco because it adds stress on your lungs.
The advisory has been caused by smoke from Washington State wildfires drifting into the area.
On Wednesday, Calgary experienced its third straight day under an air quality advisory.
For more information on the current air quality health risks, visit the Government of Alberta’s website. Anyone with symptoms can also call Health Link at 811 to speak to a registered nurse.