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Special air quality statement ended for Calgary due to wildfire smoke

Click to play video: 'Harmful pollutants in wildfire smoke pose severe health risks'
Harmful pollutants in wildfire smoke pose severe health risks
WATCH: Wildfire smoke is made up of harmful gases, soot and pollutants. While it mildly irritates many, some people can experience severe health reactions. Jackie Wilson reports. – Jul 23, 2021

A special air quality statement issued Friday for Calgary was lifted on Monday.

The warning was initially issued due to wildfire smoke, which caused air quality in Calgary to deteriorate.

Environment Canada said it may fluctuate over short distances and vary considerably from hour to hour, but is of special concern to children and seniors.

The smoke could cause people to begin coughing, have throat irritation or shortness of breath, as well as headaches, Environment Canada said.

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People with cardiovascular or lung disease can be particularly sensitive to air pollution.

“They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels,” the statement cautioned. “Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.”

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Calgary’s current Air Quality Health Index

As of 8 a.m. Monday, Alberta Environment and Parks listed Calgary’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at 4, the lowest in the moderate risk range, with it forecast to sit at 5 later Monday and through to Tuesday.

To see a radar map of the smoke forecast, visit Alberta Wildfire’s website.

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