Smoke from wildfires burning in British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, and northern Alberta is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility. Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for the Grande Prairie – Beaverlodge – Valleyview region due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter.
The Air Quality Health Index for Grande Prairie is 5 or a moderate risk Saturday morning, which is forecast to increase to 8 or a high risk during the day.
“Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour,” Environment Canada warns.
Smoke in the air can lead to symptoms like 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.”
People are encouraged to take extra precautions to reduce exposure.