Air quality warning issued for Red Deer and area

An air quality warning has been issued for Red Deer and much of central Alberta.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.

Officials say conditions are expected to improve for most areas by the weekend. As of 8 a.m. on Friday, the air quality health index calculated conditions to be at a 10 or very high risk.

“Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can change rapidly over short distances and from hour to hour. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase,” ECCC said in the warning. “Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events. You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.”