During an air quality event, all individuals living in or travelling within the affected area are advised to be aware of potential health concerns that can be associated with poor air quality conditions.
Exposed individuals who are otherwise healthy may have the following symptoms when exposed to wildfire smoke:
Individuals are advised to take the following precautions to reduce exposure and risk:
Individuals with respiratory conditions (such as COPD and asthma), and individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions (such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure), may notice a worsening of symptoms, due to the poor air quality conditions. These individuals should monitor for worsening of symptoms and take the precautions recommended by their physicians if a worsening of symptoms occurs.
Children and elderly are also at higher risk of health impacts from air pollution.
Individuals experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link at 811 to speak to a registered nurse.
MyHealth.Alberta.ca:
Government of Alberta:
Government of Canada:
In Alberta, notifications for air quality events which result in poor air quality are issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada or by Alberta Health Services.
Special Air Quality Statements issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada are available through:
Active Alberta Health Services Air Quality Advisories: