As thick wildfire smoke envelops Calgary and its surrounding areas, health officials are urging residents to take precautions against the hazardous air quality. As of noon on Thursday, Calgary’s air quality health index reached a critical 10-plus, classified as “very high risk.” However, these conditions are fluctuating rapidly. By 1 p.m., the index had improved slightly to 8, or “high risk,” and by 3 p.m., it had further reduced to 6, placing it at the high end of “moderate risk.”
“The air quality in Calgary right now is some of the worst that we ever get and some of the worst that we’ve ever seen,” stated Dr. Kerri Johannson, a lung specialist and clinical associate professor in the department of medicine at the University of Calgary. “This isn’t good for anybody. Having this chronic, repeated, long-term exposure to high concentrations of pollution like this is risky.”
An air quality advisory has been issued for Calgary, advising all residents to limit outdoor activities. “During heavy smoke conditions, everyone is at risk regardless of their age or health. The fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main health risk,” the advisory noted.
Even generally healthy individuals might experience symptoms such as itchy eyes, a stuffy nose, and throat irritation. However, Dr. Johannson highlighted that certain groups are particularly vulnerable, including seniors, babies, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. These groups are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities entirely.
Dr. Johannson explained that smoke exposure can exacerbate asthma symptoms. “These can range from mild, irritating symptoms to life-threatening exacerbations,” she said. “We know from prior data that air pollution and wildfire smoke increase the risk of asthma exacerbations, leading people to visit emergency departments, require hospitalization, and need changes in their medications.”
Other lung diseases and acute heart conditions can also worsen due to smoke exposure. “Studies have shown that air pollution exposure increases the risk of heart attacks,” Dr. Johannson noted. “Acute inflammatory processes occur when lung tissue is exposed to particulate matter, leading to systemic inflammation in the body. These are some of the things we worry about.”
Dr. Johannson emphasized the importance of people with chronic heart and lung conditions having their medications, such as inhalers, readily available and using them as prescribed. “Consider this to be a high-risk scenario. Be diligent and vigilant with managing your underlying disease well,” she advised.
Alberta Health Services encourages anyone experiencing symptoms related to poor air quality to call Health Link at 811. Dr. Eddy Lang, clinical department head for emergency medicine in the Calgary zone, reported seeing patients with chronic respiratory diseases likely worsened by the smoke. However, he noted that the overall number of ER visits due to coughing and shortness of breath hasn’t significantly increased in recent days.
Dr. Lang described Calgary’s air quality rating as “quite dangerous” and recommended at-risk individuals stay indoors. “Even if you’re perfectly healthy, we don’t know what the long-term health consequences are.… It can have more serious long-term effects. So it’s probably wiser to avoid, stay indoors [and] do your exercise indoors if that’s possible,” he advised.
The air quality advisory also urges people to keep doors and windows closed and use high-quality air filters on ventilation systems or indoor air purifiers to filter out airborne particles. For those who must be outdoors, wearing well-fitting respirator masks, such as an N95, is recommended, although the advisory noted that even with reduced exposure, there can still be health risks.
As Calgary and surrounding areas brace for continued smoke, residents are encouraged to stay informed about air quality levels and take necessary precautions to protect their health.
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