Alberta Health Services (AHS) is advising people living in, or visiting, its central zone area, which includes Olds, to take precautions against the potential health risks associated with smoky air conditions resulting from forest fires burning in the Northwest Territories.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is advising people living in, or visiting, its central zone area, which includes Olds, to take precautions against the potential health risks associated with smoky air conditions resulting from forest fires burning in the Northwest Territories.
In a media release issued on July 10, AHS stated it has expanded a precautionary air quality advisory for its central, north and Edmonton zones as smoke from the fires is expected to reach those areas in the coming days.
"Although minor smoke conditions do not typically cause health concerns in healthy individuals, if smoke conditions become more severe, even healthy individuals may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath," the release states.
People are advised that if they smell or taste smoke in the air, they should minimize physical outdoor activities, consider remaining indoors with windows, doors and outdoor air circulation fans/vents closed and monitor any symptoms related to smoke in the air.
"Individuals with respiratory conditions (such as COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] and asthma), and individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions (such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure), may notice a worsening of symptoms, due to the smoky air conditions," the media release states. "These individuals should monitor for worsening of symptoms and take the precautions routinely recommended by their physicians if a worsening of symptoms does occur."
Anyone experiencing smoke-related symptoms can also call Health Link Alberta 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free at 1-866-408-LINK (5465) to speak to a registered nurse.
Information about the air quality in Alberta is updated frequently through Alberta’s Air Quality Health Index at http://airquality.alberta.ca.
Air quality information is also available by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-247-7333.
The air quality advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
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