Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for most of Alberta. (Photo: Environment and Climate Change Canada)

By Justin Goulet

Special Air Quality Statement issued for most of Alberta, including Lethbridge

Jul 13, 2023 | 12:19 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A Special Air Quality Statement is in effect for most of Alberta, including Lethbridge.

Environment Canada issued the advisory shortly after 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

The weather agency said wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in some areas of the province. Residents are advised to limit outdoors activities and keep the air inside of their home clean, by ensuring windows and doors are closed if the temperature in their home is comfortable.

Environment Canada advises using an air purifier with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in a room where individuals spend a lot of time, and to avoid air purifiers that produce ozone. More information on air purifiers is available at the Government of Canada website.

The weather agency said individuals with lung diseases, like asthma, or heart disease, as well as older adults, children, pregnant people, and those who work outdoors are at high risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

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Officials said if someone must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (like a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not let air pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce an individual’s exposure to the fine particles in smoke. It was noted that respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke, so citizens are advised to listen to their bodies and reduce or stop activities if they experience any symptoms.

More details on air quality is available from Alberta Health Services. A list of impacted areas is available from Environment Canada.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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