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A map on airquality.alberta.ca shows current Air Quality Health Index ratings. As of Sunday at 8 p.m., Red Deer was rated at a 5, but is forecast to reach 10 overnight and 8 during the day Monday.
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Red Deer’s air quality expected to pose high risk into mid-week

Jul 18, 2021 | 8:45 PM

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has once again issued a special air quality statement for the Red Deer Region.

Wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and, at times, poor visibility.

This is resulting in very high Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values through much of Alberta, and they are expected to remain high into the middle of the week.

According to airquality.alberta.ca, as of 8 p.m. Sunday, Red Deer is rated at a 5 (moderate risk), but the city is forecast to reach 10 (high risk/very high risk) overnight and 8 (high risk) during the day Monday.

Locally, the special air quality statement is in effect for:

  • Camrose Co. near Bashaw and Meeting Creek
  • City of Red Deer
  • Co. of Paintearth near Halkirk and Big Knife Prov. Park
  • Co. of Stettler near Big Valley
  • Co. of Stettler near Botha and Gadsby
  • Co. of Stettler near Byemoor and Endiang
  • Co. of Stettler near Donalda
  • Co. of Stettler near Stettler Nevis and Rochon Sands
  • Flagstaff Co. near Forestburg and Galahad
  • Lacombe Co. near Clive Alix and Mirror
  • Lacombe Co. near Eckville
  • Lacombe Co. near Lacombe Blackfalds and Bentley
  • Ponoka Co. near Ponoka and Maskwacis
  • Red Deer Co. near Elnora Lousana and Delburne
  • Red Deer Co. near Penhold Innisfail and Bowden
  • Red Deer Co. near Pine Lake
  • Red Deer Co. near Spruce View and Red Lodge Prov. Park
  • Red Deer Co. near Sylvan Lake and Stephansson House

ECCC notes that air quality ratings can fluctuate significantly from hour to hour and over short distances.

“Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk,” the statement says.

“People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.”

Information about the potential health hazards of wildfire smoke is at canada.ca, while more information about how you can protect yourself is at albertahealthservices.ca and airhealth.ca.

The Parkland Airshed Management Zone (PAMZ) also issued a statement Sunday, offering some tips for Albertans to stay safe.

“PAMZ recommends residents of the region be mindful of their own emissions during this sensitive time: limit wood burning, choose transportation alternatives to single-occupant vehicles like public transit and carpooling, reduce unnecessary vehicle idling, and use less electricity and natural gas,” the statement reads.

“To protect yourself, limit exposure by adjusting your outdoor activity during episodes of increased air pollution (AQHI of 7 and higher) and save more strenuous physical and outdoor activities for days when the index is lower.”

The ECCC special air quality statement may change and can be viewed here.