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ELEVATED POLLUTION

Special air quality statement issued for Red Deer region

Nov 1, 2024 | 4:54 PM

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

ECCC said at 4:21 p.m. on Nov. 1 that stagnant winter weather conditions are creating elevated pollution levels, particularly around the city of Red Deer.

Conditions should improve by Saturday morning.

According to ECCC:

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.

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.

People with cardiovascular disease can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate the disease leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.

If you are experiencing symptoms, such as coughing or throat irritation, consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities until the special air quality statement is lifted. Exposure to air pollution is particularly a health concern for people with heart or breathing problems, those with diabetes, children and the elderly.

For more information please visit Alberta Health Services at albertahealthservices.ca/news/air.aspx.

Visit airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.