More Information

Alberta Health Services

• Heat Warning Information  
• Wildfire Resources

MyHealth.Alberta.ca

• Air Quality Health Index
• Wildfire Smoke & Your Health

Government of Alberta

• Local Air Quality Conditions
  • Air Quality Health Index
  • Air Quality Health Index - Map
• Alberta Air Quality Notification Protocol – What You Need to Know
• Wildfire Smoke: OHS information for Workers & Employers issued by Government of Alberta

Government of Canada

• Wildfire Smoke, Air Quality & Your Health
• Wildfire Smoke 101: Combined Wildfire Smoke & Heat
• Air Quality - Environment Canada

During an Air Quality Event

During an air quality event, all individuals living in or travelling within the affected area are advised to be aware of potential health concerns that can be associated with poor air quality conditions.

• If you think you are having a heart attack or stroke or otherwise in need of immediate medical attention, dial 9-1-1
• 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 poor air quality conditions. These individuals should monitor for worsening of symptoms and take the precautions recommended by their physicians if a worsening of symptoms occurs.
• Children and elderly are also at higher risk of health impacts from air pollution
• Individuals experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link at 811 to speak to a registered nurse. Health Link is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll free.

Exposed individuals who are otherwise healthy may have the following symptoms when exposed to wildfire smoke:

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Increased mucus production in the nose or throat
• Cough
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially during exercise
• Headache

Individuals are advised to take the following precautions to reduce exposure and risk:

• Close 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 fireplace 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 car fans on re-circulate mode to avoid drawing in outdoor air. Vehicles should not be used as a means for shelter.
• 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.
• Drink plenty of water to keep the nose and mouth moist
• Residents are reminded not to use backyard fire pits or fire boxes in parks when the air quality is poor.
• If you have room air cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, turn them on. Don’t use air cleaners that may produce ozone. For portable air cleaners, follow all the manufacturer’s instructions for changing the filter, where to place the device, and the size of room it’s meant to be used in.

Individuals experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link at 811 to speak to a registered nurse.

For wildfires resources including emergency planning kits, home guidance, and mental health support, visit ahs.ca/wildfires.