Due to the wildfires burning in BC, Alberta Health Services has issued a precautionary air quality advisory.

Air quality is expected to be variable over the coming days and potentially weeks.

Officials with AHS say those with respiratory conditions (such as COPD and asthma) and existing cardiovascular conditions (such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure) may notice their symptoms become worse due to the smoky air conditions.

Even healthy people may experience some temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath.

If you can taste and/or smell smoke in the air, AHS recommends you:

  • Monitor your symptoms.
  • Minimize physical activity outdoors.
  • Remain indoors with windows, doors and air circulation fans/vents closed.
  • If you drive to another location, keep windows and vents closed. Run your car fan on re-circulate mode to avoid drawing in outdoor air.

If you are experiencing symptoms you can call Health Link 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free at 811, to speak to a registered nurse.