Red Deer, AB

Smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility. Smoke is expected or occurring.

Smoke from forest fires in British Columbia continues to stream into Alberta resulting in widespread poor air quality and reducing visibility.

During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour.

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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.

Visit www.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.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.