Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for much of southern Alberta, including Lethbridge, because of wildfire smoke from B.C.
The smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility and officials say it can be harmful to anyone, even in small concentration.
“Wildfire smoke concentrations can fluctuate over short distances and vary considerably from hour to hour,” reads the statement from Environment Canada. “People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.”
It suggests people reduce exposure by keeping doors and windows closed if possible, drinking a lot of water and taking a break from the smoke in places with clean, cool air.
“If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health,” Environment Canada says.