Please be advised, due to drifting forest fire smoke from the Northwestern United States, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued an air quality advisory for the Calgary area, which will stay in effect until further notice.

The very young, elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions are most affected by the poor air quality. However, even healthy individuals may experience temporary irritation of the eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath, when the air quality is poor enough.

To reduce exposure to the poor air conditions, AHS suggests:

• Reduce presence of smoke in indoor environments:

o Close and lock all outside windows and doors, including attached garage doors.

o Turn down furnace thermostats and furnace fans to the minimum setting. Do not attempt to extinguish pilot light.

o If you have an air-conditioner, keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.

o Avoid running fans, such as “whole-house fans” or “fresh air ventilation systems”, that bring more smoky outdoor air inside.

o Switch all floor registers to closed position.

o Close fire place dampers on wood burning fireplaces.

o 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.

• 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.

http://www.environment.alberta.ca/apps/aqhi/aqhi.aspx

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/11702.asp