EDMONTON- The Air Quality Index in Edmonton is expected to improve throughout the weekend.
A precautionary air quality advisory has been in place for Edmonton and areas east of the city since Thursday morning, due to “air quality deterioration associated with a temporary air-inversion event,” according to Alberta Health Services (AHS).
According to Alberta Environment, Edmonton’s maximum Air Quality Index was 8 on Thursday, which is considered a high risk.
On Friday, that number dropped to 7, which is still considered a high risk, however, the index is expected to drop to 5- a moderate risk- by Friday evening and into Saturday.
AHS says current air quality conditions are not expected to cause health concerns in most healthy individuals. However, people with pre-existing respiratory conditions (such as COPD and asthma) or cardiovascular conditions (such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure), may notice a worsening of symptoms.
AHS is encouraging people to monitor their symptoms, consider adjusting their outdoor activities, and take their doctor’s advice if symptoms worsen.
Individuals experiencing symptoms can call Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).
The air quality advisory remained in place Friday afternoon, and AHS says because air quality is expected to be variable across the majority of the Edmonton region, the advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
For more information on air quality and health, visit the Alberta Environment’s website.