Poor air quality prompts advisory from AHS

Air Quality Advisory issued for Southeastern Alberta
AHS – Due to smoky conditions caused by wildfires in Northern Alberta and  Saskatchewan, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is issuing an air quality advisory for the Medicine Hat-area, in the South Zone of AHS.
Individuals living in or travelling to the above noted area are advised to be aware of potential health concerns that can be associated with current air conditions. In these current conditions, even healthy individuals may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath.
To reduce exposure to the current air conditions, all individuals can:
-Reduce presence of smoke in indoor environments:
-Close and lock all outside windows and doors, including attached garage doors
-Turn down furnace thermostats and furnace fans to the minimum setting.  Do not attempt to extinguish pilot light.
-If you have an air-conditioner, keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.
-Avoid running fans, such as “whole-house fans” or “fresh air ventilation systems”, that bring more smoky outdoor air inside.
-Switch all floor registers to closed position
-Close fire place dampers on wood burning fireplaces.
-Do not use wood burning fireplace, wood stoves or other smoke-producing appliances or features, including candles.
-If you must drive to another location, keep windows and vents closed. Run your car fans on re-circulate mode to avoid drawing in outdoor air.
-Reduce levels of physical activity, as necessary, to decrease the inhalation of airborne pollutants.
-Do not smoke tobacco – smoking puts added stress on your lungs and those around you.
Individuals with respiratory conditions (such as COPD 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 current air conditions. These individuals should monitor for worsening of symptoms and take the precautions routinely recommended by their physicians if a worsening of symptoms occurs. Children and elderly are also at higher risk of smoke-related illness.
Individuals experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link at 811 to speak to a registered nurse.
Air quality can vary with weather conditions and prevailing winds. Because air quality is expected to be variable, this advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Information about the air quality in many areas of Alberta is updated regularly on the Alberta Parks Website at: http://esrd.alberta.ca/air/programs-and-services/air-quality-health-index/default.aspx.  Air quality information is also available by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-247-7333.

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