Environment Canada issued an air quality statement early Thursday morning for Calgary and a section of Rocky View County near Cochrane due to wildfire smoke.
It said that wildfire smoke can cause poor air quality and reduce visibility.
Environment Canada suggests you avoid spending time outdoors as much as possible to reduce exposure to the smoke.
Wildfire smoke can affect everyone’s health even in small amounts, Environment Canada said.
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If someone must be outdoors, Environment Canada suggests a well-fitted respirator-type mask, like an N95, that doesn’t allow air through small gaps between the face and nose. This can reduce exposure to any fine particles in the smoke.
However, it said that respirators do not protect from gasses in wildfire smoke.
If a person starts to experience shortness of breath, wheezing, severe coughing, dizziness or chest pains it said the person should contact a doctor and stop all outdoor activities.
Environment Canada also suggests keeping windows closed and using an air purifier with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in rooms a person spends a lot of time in. It said to avoid air purifiers that create ozone and remember to check the filters in the air purifiers and replace them if necessary.
If someone needs a break from the wildfire smoke they can go to a public place like a library, mall or community centre.
Environment Canada asks that people keep watch for updates on ecalertme.weather.gc.ca.
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