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By rdnewsNOW staff

heat warning also still in place

Wildfire smoke prompts special air quality statement for Red Deer

Jul 21, 2024 | 9:53 AM

As a heat warning continues, wildfire smoke has prompted Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to issue a Special Air Quality Statement for the Red Deer area and others around the province.

The smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.

ECCC notes that smoke levels can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably hour to hour, and health is at risk with the combination of heat and poor air quality.

Per ECCC (advisory subject to change):

People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke include seniors, pregnant women and pregnant people, people who smoke, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise and people with an existing illness or chronic health condition. Those who are more likely to be impacted should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors or seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.

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Listen to your body and if you experience symptoms, consider reducing or stopping strenuous outdoor activities. Symptoms can include milder and more common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as serious but less common symptoms such as chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.

Limit time outdoors. When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool. Always seek out and follow health guidance from local authorities.

Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air purifier that can filter fine particles.

When spending time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.

Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke.

Take care of your mental health.

Learn more at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke.

You can also check the Air Quality Health Index here.

Meantime, temperatures for Red Deer are expected to remain hot for a few more days.

As of Sunday morning, the forecast high for Monday is 33, with a low of 20, then it’ll get to 32 on Tuesday and down to 16, and then one more day in the low 30s on Wednesday before a dip to 25 Celsius on Thursday. Showers are possible Thursday night.

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