'Itchy throats, headaches and shortness of breath': Alberta air quality statements remain due to smoke
As smoke from wildfires in British Columbia and Saskatchewan continues to blow across Alberta, air quality levels are still considered problematic on Monday with a special air quality statement from Environment Canada in place for nearly the entire province.
The Air Quality Health Index has registered Calgary at a Level 7, but the forecast calls for it to reach nine on a scale of one to 10+, which is considered high risk. Edmonton is expected to reach a 10 on Monday and the statement is in place for nearly the entire province.
Visibility is reduced and pollution is especially concerning for young children, the elderly and those who have underlying health concerns or respiratory issues.
Smoke can aggravate these diseases and could initiate more visits to doctor or the emergency room, according to Environment Canada.
BAD FOR BUSINESS
The smoke is also bad for businesses, at least at Abbey's Creations ice cream in Montgomery
Owner Paul Hopfner says customers often grab ice cream inside, then sit on the patio to enjoy it.
But those customers crave ice cream on hot sunny days, not dark, smoky ones, like Sunday.
"We were probably down about 50 per cent over the weekend," he said. "We usually get a lot of bike traffic, and that was way down."
While the smoky air is annoying for most people, it's also dangerous for others.
"A healthy individual with heathy lungs probably doesn't have to be quite as aware, (although) its more uncomfortable in the short term," said respirologist Dr. Brandie Walker, "but for people that have an underlying lung condition it can also lead to a flare up for their disease the need for more medication and potentially to hospital admissions,"
Walker added that just because you can't smell the smoke, it doesn't mean the air isn't still potential dangerous. Even if there are no particulates, which create a haze in the air, there could still be potentially harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, as a result of wildfires.
PHYSICAL IMPACTS
The air quality is expected to cause more itchy throats, headaches and shortness of breath.
Calgary Emergency Medical Services recommends limiting time outdoors as much as possible, and to keep outdoor activities low intensity.
“If you do have an underlying health condition like asthma, chronic bronchitis or COPD, avoiding the outdoors at all costs, making sure that you’re in an area that has good air filtering and using your regular medications as directed," said Helene Hamilton, public education officer, Alberta Health Services EMS.
Hamilton also says it is crucial to stay hydrated and to take plenty of breaks.
According to Alberta Health Services spokesperson James Woods, emergency departments and urgent care centres in the Calgary Zone have seen a slight overall increase in visits related to respiratory concerns since the Environment Canada air quality alert for the Calgary region on July 13th.
Since July 13, AHS said an average of 101 presentations for respiratory issues were recorded, with the highest day to date being July 13 with 124 presentations.
From July 7 through July 12, an average of 93 presentations for respiratory issues were recorded.
From June 16 to June 21, an average of 79 visits were recorded.
EMS also saw a slight increase in respiratory calls.
FIRE BAN CONTINUES
A fire ban remains in effect after being introduced late last week.
The Calgary Fire Department says there is significant risk because of prolonged hot and dry conditions.
This ban includes all open fire pits, campfires and outdoor fire places and will remain in place until the weather pattern changes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.