LAKELAND - The Air Quality Health Index for the Bonnyville and Cold Lake region is currently fluctuating from moderate to high, and air quality advisories have been issued for most regions of the Lakeland.
"We are beginning to see the effects of smoke from the B.C. wildfires - the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) levels for the Cold Lake and Bonnyville regions are fluctuating at moderate to high risk," the Lakeland Industry and Community Association (LICA) stated on social media on Thursday night.
According to the Province of Alberta website, the AQHI provides a number between one and 10 to indicate the level of relative health risk associated with the air quality.
LICA is responsible for local air monitoring and does so through a number of stations throughout the region. Based on their readings, the Bonnyville and Cold Lake-area is considered 'high risk' with a reading of seven.
By Friday morning, the forecast on the Government of Canada Air Quality Health Index website had increased to eight heading into the weekend.
The province recommends those who are considered part of the at-risk population reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities. Children and the elderly should also "take it easy," the website recommends.
The general population should "consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation."
Special air quality statements have also been issued for the St. Paul and Lac La Biche regions.
*This story was updated on Friday, July 16 at 9:40 a.m.
