As wildfires continue to burn throughout western and northern Canada, Environment Canada has issued a number of air quality statements, including for the Edmonton area.
Edmontonians awoke Saturday morning to a thick haze of smoke and strong fire smell, as the air quality index (AQHI) hit 10-plus by noon. The AQI is rated on a 10-point-scale.
Doctors are urging vulnerable populations, including seniors, young children and those who have pre-existing lung conditions to take extra precaution and limit their exposure to the smoke.
“If you have to be outside, wearing a mask would probably be a helpful intervention, just so you can harness that filtering potential of the mask,” said respirologist Dr. Grace Lam.
Breathing in smoke, over time and at a concentrated level, is going to affect anyone, she said, including by irritating and inflaming the lungs and breathing pathways. People with pre-existing lung conditions — be it asthma or smoking-related — are more susceptible to these irritants at a lower concentration, she added.
The city’s air quality is forecast to improve through the long weekend with it dropping down to a 4 — moderate risk — according to Environment Canada. However, officials warn that with wildfires being unpredictable, tracking the smoke becomes challenging.
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