Alberta Health Services issued an air quality advisory for Calgary and area Monday, due to “current and forecasted deteriorating air quality”.
The announcement follows a statement from Environment Canada warning southern Albertans that smoke from forest fires in the Pacific Northwest are expected to reduce air quality and visibility in the city.
The federal forecaster said smoke started moving into the province this morning: “the smoke will move in aloft, but is expected to mix down to the surface late this morning or early this afternoon.”
The statement said it’s not known how concentrated smoke will be at surface level, but “there could be significant reductions in visibility and air quality.”
AHS said people in its Calgary zone need to be aware of the potential health concerns that can be linked to the current air conditions.
Its statement says even healthy people may notice temporary eye and throat irritation and possible shortness of breath. Individuals with respiratory illnesses may notice their symptoms getting worse, due to the air conditions.
