Alerts for: Banff National Park

Statements

9:53 PM MDT Wednesday 15 August 2018
Special air quality statement in effect for:

• Banff Nat. Park near Banff
• Banff Nat. Park near Lake Louise
• Banff Nat. Park near Saskatchewan River Crossing
• Clearwater Co. near Siffleur Wilderness Area

Smoke from forest fires in British Columbia is streaming into portions of Alberta resulting in locally poor air quality and reducing visibility.

Air quality has improved over the Fort McMurray region for tonight and Thursday. However, smoke is forecast to move back into the region Thursday night.

During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour. Air quality is expected to be intermittently poor for the remainder of the week.

Individuals may experience symptoms such as 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.

Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

Issued by Environment Canada, Alberta Environment and Parks and Alberta Health