LAKELAND – With a special air quality statement in place on June 3, health officials are warning residents to be careful when spending time outdoors as smoke from wildfires move into the region.
According to Dr. Kathryn Koliaska, Medical Officer of Health for Alberta Health Services (AHS) North Zone, symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, along with runny nose, cough, headache, and difficulty breathing can be experienced when exposed to the smoky conditions.
Those with respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma, as well as people with existing cardiovascular conditions like angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure may notice aggravated symptoms due to poor air quality conditions, she added. People who work and do strenuous exercises outdoors are also at higher risk of health impacts from poor air quality.
“These individuals should monitor for worsening of symptoms and take the precautions recommended by their healthcare provider if symptoms worsen,” she said. “During air quality events, AHS does typically see some emergency department presentations for symptoms of asthma, cough, and/or smoke and smog related health issues.”
Air Quality Health Index
“The Air Quality Index can help you understand what air quality means to your health, and when to change or stop your activities outside if the air quality is poor,” Koliaska explained.
On Tuesday, the Government of Alberta’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) map was at four St. Lina, which is “moderate risk.” In Lac La Biche, the AQHI map also showed a level of four, and in Cold Lake the AQHI was at level three.
People who are experiencing symptoms due to wildfire smoke and bad air quality, can speak with their healthcare provider, or contact Health Link at 811 to speak to a registered nurse. Health Link, she said, is available 24/7.
AHS also provides wildfire resources for Alberta residents, including mental health, air quality, and emergency planning links.
Localized areas
Sometimes, smoke from wildfires can occur in very localized areas and conditions can change rapidly, according to the Government of Alberta.
“When air quality events occur, 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 and are advised to take precautions to reduce their exposure and risk,” said Koliaska.
Measures that people can take to mitigate the effects of wildfire smoke include closing all outside windows and doors, including attached garage doors, and properly sealing any areas with drafts.
For air conditioners, Koliaska advises keeping the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke and from getting inside. When driving, people should keep windows and vents closed and run car fans on re-circulate mode to avoid drawing in outdoor air.
It is also recommended that people reduce outdoor activity during periods of poor air quality and consider doing activities indoors instead. If outside, drinking plenty of water and keeping one’s nose and mouth moist is important.
