Due to the ongoing fires in the mountains near Jasper and Water Valley, the Air Quality Index for the Cochrane area remains very poor.
Environment Canada advises during heavy smoke conditions, the fine particles in wildfire smoke pose a health risk to all individuals.
The people most impacted by wildfire smoke are seniors, pregnant women and pregnant people, people who smoke, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise and people with an existing illness or chronic health condition. These individuals should avoid strenuous activities outdoors.
"Listen to your body and if you experience symptoms, reduce or stop outdoor activities", says Environment Canada.
Symptoms could include milder and more common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as serious but less common symptoms such as chest pains or severe cough.
If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.
It's also important to limit time outdoors, and consider rescheduling or cancelling outdoor sports, activities and events.
When indoors, it is advisable to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. It's important to protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air purifier that can filter fine particles.
