Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for Calgary on Tuesday morning amid an ongoing heat wave.
The national weather agency warned that stagnant weather conditions under a ridge of high pressure are causing pollution to build up.
“Air quality is expected to be at its worst in the evenings while these hot and sunny conditions persist,” the statement said.
“Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.”
Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung diseases like asthma and COPD can be particularly sensitive to air pollution, Environment Canada said.
“They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels,” the air quality statement warned.
“Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.”
People of all ages or work or exercise outdoors are at an increased risk due to the health effects posed by air pollution.
Heat Warning remains in place in Calgary
Calgary, along with the rest of Alberta, remained under a heat warning on Tuesday.
Environment Canada said the prolonged and historic heat wave will persist through the week with afternoon highs in the mid-to-high 30s.
“Little to no reprieve from the heat is expected, as overnight lows will remain between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius,” Environment Canada said.
Heat warnings are issued when very high-temperature conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
By Wednesday morning, the special air quality statement for Calgary had been cancelled though the heat warning remained in place.
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