According to Environment Calgary, air quality in Calgary has hit a very high risk level and people are needing to take precautions if they need to be outside or just plain get out of the danger if they don't.
The agency has put the rating as off the charts, a 10+. That's after the skies were only in the 5 range on Monday.
The air quality is potentially dangerous to anyone with respiratory issues and even healthy people may experience temporary problems, including irritated eyes, throat and shortness of breath.
An air quality advisory was issued by Alberta Health Services for the Calgary zone Monday because of forest fire smoke drifting into Alberta from Washington.
Dr. Jason Cabaj with Alberta Health Services says there are things everyone can do to decrease their exposure and risk related to the lower air quality.
However, sometimes the best method to protect yourself is just to put off outdoor activity for another day. "Anybody who is out for physical activity needs to be really careful. Runners, cyclists, any outdoor workers; they should really consider whether they need to do that activity today or reschedule it or conduct it indoors."
He says to keep windows and doors shut at home and also close windows in your vehicle while you’re driving. He also says to consider reducing or rescheduling any strenuous activity that could mean stress to your lungs.
The smoke is also affecting the schedule of some outdoor day camps. Winsport limited the amount of time 600 children enrolled in mountain bike camps to 20 minutes on the facility's trails.
Those children were moved inside to focus on bike maintenance and other activities.
Dry land training for hockey camps along with sport and adventure camps was also affected.
The air quality advisory will stay in effect until further notice.
